A new technology has been developed that can solve the 'catalyst' problem, which has been pointed out as an obstacle to the commercialization of hydrogen fuel cells. It is a method for manufacturing catalysts that can greatly enhance performance and durability without complex high-temperature processes, characterized by low manufacturing expense and high efficiency. This technology is expected to accelerate the commercialization of hydrogen fuel cells, which do not emit greenhouse gases, and lead to carbon neutrality.
On the 13th, Yoo Sung-jong, head researcher of the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Research Team at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), announced that his research team developed a technology to easily synthesize high-performance catalysts for fuel cells at room temperature. This research was conducted in collaboration with researchers from Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), and Dongguk University, and was selected as the cover paper for the July issue of the international journal 'Advanced Materials.'
The newly developed catalyst consists of nanoparticles made of platinum and nickel, designed in a hollow dome shape. This structure helps to increase the reaction area and reduce the clustering of metal particles, thereby improving reaction efficiency. Previously, creating such a precise structure required complex processes at temperatures above 600℃, but the researchers utilized an ultrasonic device similar to a glasses cleaner at room temperature. The approach induces metal atoms to arrange themselves naturally, which not only simplifies the manufacturing process but also reduces production expense while securing both the catalyst's performance and stability.
Testing the catalyst in an actual fuel cell environment showed that the reaction efficiency increased by about five times and the lifespan improved by 4.2 times compared to existing commercial catalysts. The laboratory standard mass activity was seven times higher than before, and it was found capable of stable operation for over 42,000 hours according to durability standards set by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This level can significantly reduce maintenance expenses and replacement cycles in large fuel cell systems, such as trucks, buses, ships, and power plants.
In fuel cells, the catalyst is a key component, accounting for more than 30% of the total manufacturing expense. If this technology is commercialized, it is expected to greatly enhance the price competitiveness of hydrogen fuel cells and increase its potential for use in various industrial sectors. The research team is currently conducting performance evaluations and validation studies of fuel cell stacks for vehicles and is expanding the technology with various metal combinations.
Yoo Sung-jong, the head researcher, said, "The catalyst developed this time has significantly improved performance and durability through its dome shape and precise atomic arrangement. This technology, which can be synthesized at room temperature, could realistically contribute to the commercialization of hydrogen fuel cells and the realization of carbon neutrality."
References
Advanced Materials(2025), DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202504059