Scientists from the Federal Research Center "Kazan Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences" (FIC KazSC RAS) have developed and tested a new promising electrocatalyst for the proton reduction process based on nickel. It will help to reduce the cost of hydrogen synthesis: nickel compounds are more accessible than noble metals, which were previously used in such catalysts.
As explained to IA "TASS" in the press service of the Ministry of Education and Science, studies of the cationic phosphorus-containing pincer nickel complex as a catalyst for the production of gaseous hydrogen using available acetic acid as a source of protons were carried out using NMR spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.
Electrochemical studies have shown that in the presence of the studied complex, the reduction of protons on various electrode materials in the presence of acetic acid occurs at a low potential difference, which favorably distinguishes it from other known catalysts, while a high current yield is achieved (up to 85%).
According to the ministry, the development of the FIC KazSC RAS opens up new opportunities for the use of nickel subgroup metal complexes as electrocatalysts in hydrogen synthesis processes, especially in conditions of low acidity of the medium, for the development of more efficient and economical methods of hydrogen production.
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