Advantages
- Produced by mixing rhombohedral boron sulfide and graphene without using expensive and rare metals such as iridium and ruthenium
- World’s highest catalytic activity for nonmetallic compositions (250 mV overvoltage at 10 mA cm-2)
- Confirmed to be highly durable
Background and Technology
Toward a carbon dioxide emission-free, zero-emission society, development of electrocatalyst materials for highly efficient alkaline water electrolysis is underway. Conventionally, expensive and rare iridium and ruthenium have been used.
This technology reacts while using inexpensive and abundant materials. Moreover, it is an oxygen evolution reaction catalyst with higher activity than RuO2. Specifically, a mixture of rhombohedral boron sulfide and graphene was mixed with Nafion®.
Experimental data is reported in a paper (see Patent & Publication below). The catalytic activity of the electrocatalyst (overpotential of 250 mV at 10 mA cm−2) is higher than those of most previously reported counterparts. This performance was comparable to that of cobalt-based catalysts. In addition, the catalyst was found to be highly durable.
Expectation
The University of Tsukuba is seeking development partners for the practical application of this technology, including oxygen evolution reaction catalysts. We can consider collaboration for the use of this technology, such as providing samples for technological evaluation, conducting joint evaluation experiments, and scientific discussions on how to utilize the technology.
Publication
Chemical Engineering Journal Volume 471, 2023, 144489
Patent
Pending
Researcher
Prof. Takahiro Kondo (Degree Programs in Pure and Applied Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, University of Tsukuba)
Project No. DA-04385