Development of Highly Active Alkaline Water Electrolysis Catalyst Using Typical Elements Prof. Kondo

 

In order to realize a carbon-neutral society where greenhouse gas emissions and absorption are balanced, we must not only reduce the utilization rate of fossil fuels, but also efficiently use renewable energy generated by solar power, wind power, and other sources. The use of hydrogen (green hydrogen) obtained through electrolysis of water (water electrolysis) using renewable energy is also important for reducing environmental impact. In order to perform water electrolysis efficiently, an electrode catalyst is used to promote the oxygen generation reaction. Currently, rare and expensive precious metals such as ruthenium and iridium are used for electrocatalysts, but for the sustainable development of our society, it is essential to develop new electrocatalyst materials that utilize more abundant and less expensive elements.

　This research group has previously reported the synthesis of rhombohedral boron sulfide (r-BS), which is composed of boron and sulfur in a 1:1 composition ratio and is abundant in reserves, as a potential material for such a new electrocatalyst material. In this study, we have succeeded in synthesizing r-BS+G, which is r-BS complexed with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), which are sheet-like carbon. The r-BS+G was used as an electrocatalytic material for water electrolysis in alkaline aqueous solution and showed high catalytic activity for the oxygen evolution reaction. r-BS+G is expected to be applied to a practical green hydrogen production system by further improving its catalytic activity.

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https://www.tsukuba.ac.jp/journal/technology-materials/20230711140000.html