Novel catalyst offers to make hydrogen more viable as a fuel

Subject : Science and technology

Section: Msc

Concept :

Researchers at IIT Mandi have developed a novel carbon-based catalyst to make water electrolysis more efficient.
Water electrolysis is the process of choice to produce ‘green hydrogen ‘thus making it more significant.

Water electrolysis:

In water electrolysis, water molecules are split into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity inside a device called an electrolyser. However, this process consumes a lot of electrical energy.

Findings

A new study has reported a porous carbon material containing nitrogen that functions both as a catalyst and as the anode in electrolyser units – and could substitute the metal-based catalysts.
The researchers produced this material, called ‘laser carbon’, by exposing a sheet of a polymer called polyimide to a laser beam, which carbonised the exposed bits, leaving the remainder rich in nitrogen.
Advantages of the new catalyst:
Laser carbon is “highly power efficient”, cheaper to produce, has a simpler synthesis technique, and “can be batch-manufactured with a laser”.

Hydrogen as Fuel

Hydrogen is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, flammable gaseous substance.
It is a promising energy carrier, which has the potential to address several energy sector-related challenges.
It has the potential to substitute conventional fuels and reduce CO2 related emissions significantly at the point of use.
Further, if green hydrogen is used as fuel, then there is the capability to decarbonize the entire value chain, enabling reduced emissions and climate change threats.

Type of Hydrogen

Grey Hydrogen :
- It constitutes India’s bulk production and is extracted from hydrocarbons (fossil fuels, natural gas).
- It gives CO2 as by product
Blue Hydrogen :
- It is also sourced from fossil fuels.
- However, emissions/ by-products (CO, CO2) are captured and stored.
- Thus, it is better than grey hydrogen
Green Hydrogen :
- It is generated from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.
- The electricity splits water into hydrogen and Oxygen.
- It gives water and water vapour as by-products.
- Thus, it is the best and cleanest type.