Doubled Efficiency in Hydrogen Production by Decomposing Greenhouse Gases

Schematic Diagram of Maximized Ion Position Exchange Phenomenon

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Junho] A technology that doubles the efficiency of catalysts that decompose greenhouse gases methane and carbon dioxide into high value-added hydrogen has been developed. On the 8th, the research team led by Professor Kim Geontae of the Department of Energy and Chemical Engineering at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology announced that they developed a technology to enhance the performance and stability of catalysts used in the reaction (methane dry reforming reaction) that produces hydrogen and carbon monoxide from methane and carbon dioxide.

The research team developed a technology to increase methane conversion efficiency by coating iron onto a nickel (Ni) metal composite catalyst used in the methane dry reforming reaction. Nickel has a strong tendency to migrate out of the composite, while iron tends to move inward, and this property is utilized to prevent particle agglomeration and carbon accumulation. The combination of nickel and iron also improves reactivity.

The research team reported that using the new nano catalyst, methane conversion efficiency exceeded 70% at 700℃. They also explained that stability was secured, maintaining performance for over 400 hours.

Seong Arim, a joint first author and integrated master's and doctoral course researcher in the Department of Energy Engineering, said, "When the iron thin film was applied 20 times repeatedly, more than about 400 nanoparticles (iron-nickel alloy) were formed per unit area of the catalyst, and these particles composed of nickel and iron have high catalytic reactivity."

Professor Kim Geontae said, "This is more than twice as efficient as existing electrode catalysts," and added, "The developed catalyst is expected to be used in various energy conversion technology fields."

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