Development of a Golden Ratio Catalyst for 'Artificial Photosynthesis'

Electrochemical CO2 Reduction Electrolyzer System Based on Tap Water and Durability Evaluation Results

[Asia Economy Reporter Junho Hwang] Domestic researchers have developed a technology that can generate oxygen and hydrogen with high efficiency while using less iridium, a catalyst that induces artificial photosynthesis. It is expected to open the way to producing chemical raw materials at a low cost. On the 18th, the Korea Institute of Science and Technology announced the research results of the research team led by Dr. Hyungseok Oh and Dr. Woonghee Lee of the Clean Energy Research Center.

The research team developed a core-shell structured catalyst that uses 20% less iridium catalyst, which is attracting attention as a material for artificial photosynthesis, while generating oxygen and hydrogen with about 31% higher efficiency.

Artificial photosynthesis refers to a technology that artificially replicates the process of converting water, sunlight, and carbon dioxide into hydrogen and oxygen using chlorophyll in plants as a catalyst. It is gaining attention as a technology that can absorb carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, and produce clean energy and high value-added chemical raw materials.

However, artificial photosynthesis uses iridium as a catalyst, which is scarce and expensive. The research team studied a structure that can reduce the amount of iridium used while increasing the efficiency of artificial photosynthesis. Through real-time X-ray absorption analysis, the research team determined that the core-shell structured catalyst is the most suitable structure.

The core-shell structure is in the form of manufacturing iridium-cobalt alloy nanoparticles to use as the core, with an iridium oxide shell.

Dr. Hyungseok Oh stated, "Through the core-shell nano catalyst with an iridium-cobalt alloy core and an iridium oxide shell, we were able to significantly improve the performance and durability of the oxygen evolution reaction, which is a problem in electrochemical carbon dioxide conversion systems." He added, "This research is expected to greatly contribute to the practical application of electrochemical carbon dioxide conversion systems, as well as be applicable to water electrolysis systems that produce hydrogen and various other electrolysis systems."

Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Conversion Device Structure

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