Iron Oxide 'Oxygen Sponge' Catalyst Doubles Efficiency of Green Hydrogen Production by Targeting Atomic-Level Active Sites

Researchers have made a notable advancement in green hydrogen production by developing an iron-based catalyst, known as an 'oxygen sponge,' which targets atomic-level active sites. Green hydrogen refers to hydrogen produced through methods that do not emit carbon, making it a promising clean energy carrier. The new catalyst, based on iron oxide, enhances the thermochemical cycle used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. According to the research team, the catalyst more than doubles the conversion efficiency compared to previous methods. This is achieved by optimizing the distribution and activity of atomic-scale sites on the catalyst's surface, which are crucial for the chemical reactions involved in hydrogen production. The development addresses a key challenge in scaling up green hydrogen production, which is essential for supporting renewable energy systems and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The findings were reviewed and verified according to Science X's editorial standards, and the research was reported by Phys.org.