Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU) has developed an effective catalyst for hydrogen production. This was reported by the university's press service.
The new catalyst is molybdenum oxide on the surface of molybdenum carbide. It is integrated into a graphite matrix with the addition of nitrogen atoms.
A vacuum-free electric arc method was used to create the catalyst. It is used in the manufacture of superhard materials in the production of abrasives, wear-resistant coatings and polishing materials.
The synthesis of the new catalyst is simple and energy efficient compared to direct analogues, and it remains stable for 15 days, while similar catalysts fail after 50 hours of operation.
The electro-arc vacuum-free method does not require complex equipment and isolation of the reaction medium. Synthesis occurs in the open air. This reduces the cost of production.
The activity of the catalyst in the hydrogen evolution reaction is estimated by the magnitude of the overpotential. The overpotential of our catalyst is at the level of –148 mV, while it favorably differs in terms of ease of synthesis.
The developers plan to improve the characteristics of the catalyst and continue the search for other effective compositions.
Earlier www1.ru reported that Russia has developed an innovative method for producing hydrogen.
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