HIGH-ENTROPY ALLOYS FOR HYDROGEN PRODUCTION

GS3 SCIENCE & TECH

• Overview:
  Innovative HEAs offer a promising alternative to precious metals in hydrogen production.
• New Catalyst:
  CeNS researchers in Bengaluru developed the PtPdCoNiMn catalyst, significantly improving water electrolysis efficiency.
• HEA Characteristics:
  • Composed of five or more elements in equal proportions.
  • Enhanced stability and versatility due to entropy-driven structure.
• Synthesis Methods:
  • Electrodeposition: Optimized for solvent and deposition control.
  • Solvothermal Synthesis: Carefully tuned with selected solvents and reducing agents.
• Performance:
  • Uses 7x less platinum compared to conventional catalysts.
  • Demonstrates high efficiency and durability, operating over 100 hours in alkaline seawater.
• Impact:
  • Potential to make hydrogen production cleaner and more cost-effective.
  • Advances renewable energy efforts by reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
• Support & Publication: Funded by India’s ANRF (via DST) and published in journals like Advanced Functional Materials and Small.