Researchers from the Tokyo University of Science have developed a novel two-dimensional electrocatalyst, Bis(diimino)palladium coordination nanosheets (PdDI), to address the affordability challenge in hydrogen production.
PdDI is a low-cost palladium-based catalyst that matches platinum's performance in hydrogen production, paving the way for affordable hydrogen production.
The study, led by DrH iroaki Maeda and Professor Hiroshi Nishihara, was published in Volume 31, Issue 6 of Chemistry – A European Journal, highlighting its significance in advancing sustainable hydrogen production.
The research team used a simple synthesis process and limited amounts of precious metals to fabricate palladium-based nanosheets that could maximise catalytic activity while minimising metal usage, drastically lowering the costs associated with hydrogen gas (H2) production. The results placed E-PdDI among the most efficient HER catalysts developed to date, making it a promising low-cost alternative to platinum.
The PdDI nanosheets demonstrated excellent durability, remaining intact after 12 hours in acidic conditions, confirming their suitability for real-world hydrogen production systems.
This research brings us one step closer to making H2 production more affordable and sustainable, a crucial step for achieving a clean energy future.
By minimising the reliance on scarce and costly platinum, PdDI nanosheets align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 7–promoting affordable and clean energy, SDG 9–industry, innovation, and infrastructure.
The scalability, enhanced activity, and cost-effectiveness of PdDI nanosheets make them highly attractive for industrial hydrogen production, hydrogen fuel cells, and large-scale energy storage systems.
Replacing platinum-based catalysts with PdDI could reduce mining-related emissions, accelerate the transition to a sustainable hydrogen economy, and reduce the dependency on precious Pt metal.
The density of palladium atoms is ten times lesser than Pt atoms, reducing the dependency on precious Pt metal and approaching for a cost-effective production of electrodes.
The replacement of Pt with PdDI nanosheets is expected to produce great outcomes in automobiles, hydrogen production, and electrode-supplying industries.
As research progresses, the team at TUS aims to further optimise PdDI nanosheets for commercialisation, contributing to the development of an environmentally friendly hydrogen society.