A breakthrough iron-based catalyst achieves near-perfect efficiency for water oxidation, offering a sustainable solution for hydrogen production.
A breakthrough iron-based catalyst achieves near-perfect efficiency for water oxidation, offering a sustainable solution for hydrogen production.
A newly developed pentanuclear iron complex (Fe5-PCz (ClO4)3) can offer an efficient, stable, and cost-effective solution for water oxidation. By electrochemically polymerizing the complex, researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo obtained a polymer-based catalyst, poly-Fe5-PCz, and achieved water oxidation with up to 99% Faradaic efficiency and exceptional stability, even under rigorous conditions. This breakthrough offers a scalable alternative to rare metal catalysts, advancing hydrogen production and energy storage for renewable energy.
Water oxidation plays a vital role in renewable energy technologies, especially in hydrogen production and artificial photosynthesis. By splitting water into oxygen and hydrogen, it provides a clean, sustainable energy source. However, replicating the efficiency and stability of natural photosynthetic systems in artificial catalytic setups—especially in aqueous environments—remains a significant challenge. Catalysts based on rare and expensive metals like ruthenium have shown high activity for water oxidation but are not practical for large-scale use due to their cost and limited availability.
Read more at Institute of Science Tokyo
Image: Poly-Fe5-PCz is a promising and efficient catalyst for water oxidation, offering a viable solution for hydrogen production and energy storage. (Credit: Science Tokyo)
