A technology that overcomes the durability limitations of anion exchange membrane water electrolysis catalysts has been developed by domestic researchers. By improving upon the chronic problem of existing catalysts whose performance deteriorates during long-term operation, it is reported that this will contribute to extending the lifespan of catalysts in green hydrogen production facilities and reducing maintenance costs.

The Korea Institute of Materials Science and Engineering (KIMS) announced on the 14th that it has developed a 'high-durability platinum-nickel hydrogen generation catalyst technology' in collaboration with Pukyong National University and Pohang University of Science and Technology.

This technology is reported to have achieved a performance degradation of less than 2% even after 3,000 hours of continuous operation at a scale close to that of an actual hydrogen production facility.

The key to this study is that it substantially improved the durability of the hydrogen generation catalyst applied to anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolysis systems.

Existing anion exchange membrane water electrolysis catalysts have been identified as a stumbling block to commercialization due to significant performance degradation during long-term operation.

The research team explained that they improved this limitation through the design of a platinum-nickel-based catalyst.

The Korea Institute of Materials Science predicted that this technology could be practically utilized to extend the catalyst replacement cycle and lower maintenance costs during the commercialization of water electrolysis systems.

It was stated that it is also expected to contribute to improving the overall economic viability of green hydrogen production facilities.