Numerous chemical reactions relevant for the energy revolution are highly complex and result in considerable energy losses.
Numerous chemical reactions relevant for the energy revolution are highly complex and result in considerable energy losses. This is the reason why energy conversion and storage systems or fuel cells are not yet widely used in commercial applications. Researchers at Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB) and Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung in Düsseldorf are now reporting on a new class of catalysts that is theoretically suitable for universal use. These so-called high entropy alloys are formed by mixing close to equal proportions of five or more elements. They might finally push the boundaries of traditional catalysts that have been unsurpassable for decades. The research team describes their uncommon electrocatalytic working principles as well as their potential for systematic application in the journal “ACS Energy Letters” from 17. April 2019.
Material libraries for electrocatalysis research
The material class of high entropy alloys features physical properties that have considerable potential for numerous applications. In oxygen reduction, they have already reached the activity of a platinum catalyst.
Read more at Ruhr-Universität Bochum
Image: Michael Meischein in front of the sputter system in which nanoparticles are fabricated by co-deposition into an ionic liquid. CREDITS: RUB / Marquard
