Scientists from Tomsk Polytechnic University, together with their Chinese colleagues, have improved a natural catalyst for the production of "green" hydrogen. This type of fuel is considered promising and environmentally friendly for automobiles, according to the press service of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia.
Scientists from TPU, together with colleagues from China, have proposed an inexpensive and safe method that improves the electrocatalytic properties of molybdenum disulfide using a visible light source. In the future, the development may form the basis for creating efficient systems for the production of "green" hydrogen.
Molybdenum disulfide is being considered as a promising catalyst for the production of environmentally friendly hydrogen. This natural mineral, known as molybdenite, is widespread, including in Russia. It is characterized by low cost and stability, which makes it an attractive alternative to expensive platinum. However, existing methods for increasing its catalytic activity require significant costs.
As scientists, we faced the task of finding an inexpensive, "green," and simple method for synthesizing a highly defective hybrid structure based on thin layers of molybdenum disulfide.
Chemists from TPU and their foreign colleagues have created a new material using a solution of iron ions and visible light, including sunlight. This modified catalyst, unlike ordinary molybdenite, allows obtaining the same amount of hydrogen from water, but spends 20% less energy.
Scientists believe that new knowledge will help develop safe and affordable technologies for the production of "green" hydrogen, which can be used as automotive fuel.
Earlier, Russian and Chinese scientists created unique ceramic materials based on zinc ferrite (ZnFe₂O₄). These developments may become the basis for creating safe solid-state batteries.
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