In a significant stride towards advancing clean energy solutions, scientists have unveiled a groundbreaking catalyst capable of efficiently oxidizing urea, thereby reducing the energy demand for hydrogen generation through urea-assisted water splitting. This breakthrough holds immense promise for enhancing the production of green fuel while remedying urea from wastewater.
Understanding the pivotal role of hydrogen energy in combating climate change, the scientific community has intensified efforts to revolutionize hydrogen production. Electrolytic generation of hydrogen, while environmentally friendly, has faced challenges due to the energy demands of the oxygen evolution reaction at the anode. A potential solution lies in replacing this reaction with urea electro-oxidation, significantly lowering the overall cell potential and reducing energy consumption.
A team of scientists from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, led by Mr. Nikhil N. Rao, Dr. Alex Chandraraj, and Dr. Neena S. John, has developed a non-noble metal catalyst, Neodymium Nickelate (NdNiO3), with metallic conductivity. This catalyst efficiently oxidizes urea, offering a pathway to lower the energy demand for hydrogen generation.
The study, supported by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), now ANRF, showcases neodymium nickelate’s superior electrocatalytic properties. Through operando techniques, the team confirmed the catalyst’s ‘direct mechanism,’ minimizing catalyst degeneration and reconstruction. This stands in contrast to conventional catalysts, ensuring enhanced stability and reaction kinetics.
Moreover, neodymium nickelate exhibits exceptional tolerance to COx poisons, addressing a critical challenge in UOR catalysts’ long-term durability. Computational simulations, in collaboration with experts from the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS), Kolkata, validate the experimental findings, underlining the catalyst’s potential for sustainable hydrogen production.
Published in ACS Catalysis, this pioneering research paves the way for future studies aimed at optimizing catalyst performance and achieving efficient hydrogen production with minimal environmental impact. As the world shifts towards renewable energy sources, this breakthrough catalyst marks a significant step forward in realizing a sustainable and clean energy future.
