The catalyst of nanoparticles with ruthenium atoms has been developed by American experts to produce hydrogen in the process of electrolysis of alkaline water. The invention will transform pure energy.

Electrochemical splitting of water in order to produce hydrogen is an important stage in obtaining clean fuel. Currently, most of the cost reduction efforts are focused on finding alternatives to the platinum catalyst, according to EurekAlert.

A promising material has been found at the University of California, Santa Cruz. The scientists have noticed the impressive possibilities of ruthenium and nitrogen in carbon nanomaterials.

Electron microscopy and elemental mapping of the material have shown that there is a difference between ruthenium nanoparticles and individual atoms. The main catalytic activity is just next to the atoms.

It was a breakthrough moment for scientists. Then the scientists discovered the reason of this phenomenon. Calculations have shown how ruthenium forms bonds with carbon and nitrogen in this material, and how this lowers the reaction barrier, improving the catalytic activity.

The researchers have already filed a patent application for their invention. They emphasize that there is already a market for cheaper and more efficient ruthenium-based catalysts. For their implementation, it is not necessary to change radically the technological process – the alkaline water electrolysis is widely used in the chemical industry, as is the related chlor-alkali electrolysis process. A ruthenium catalyst can be used for it, as well.

Manganese may be a key element in the production of affordable hydrogen fuel cells, according to chemists from New York. This is one of the most common elements in the crust, and scientists have been able to increase its stability.