Hydrogen is emerging as a promising alternative fuel for the transportation and energy sectors due to its clean-burning property and high energy density. “Green” hydrogen, produced using renewable energy sources, is particularly attractive as it has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
One of the key technologies for the production of green hydrogen is electrolysis, a process that uses electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Palladium plays a crucial role in this process, as it is used in the construction of electrolysis cells and as a catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
“Palladium is a metal having a high catalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction at the cathode, providing a high yield of hydrogen,” researcher Irina Goryunova says.
With palladium, the catalyst increases its activity while the resource remains the same, she explained, adding that the technology thus becomes more efficient and accessible.
“We received a prototypes of the catalyst, from particles of the palladium-iridium alloy. These passed laboratory tests and was sent for testing in semi-industrial conditions,” she added.
How it works
In the electrolysis process, a proton exchange membrane (PEM) or an alkaline electrolyzer is used to conduct the electrolysis of water. The construction of these electrolysis cells requires materials that are resistant to corrosion and provide good electrical conductivity.
Palladium, with its excellent corrosion resistance and high electrical conductivity, is a perfect material for the construction of these cells. Its ability to withstand harsh operating conditions and long-term stability under high electrical currents makes it an essential component in the manufacture of efficient and durable electrolysis cells.
In addition to its role in the construction of electrolysis cells, palladium also plays a critical role as a catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction. In the electrolysis process, the HER occurs at the cathode, where protons are reduced to form hydrogen gas. Palladium-based catalysts have been extensively studied for their high catalytic activity and selectivity towards the HER. These catalysts exhibit excellent performance in terms of high hydrogen evolution rates and low overpotentials, which are essential for the efficient and cost-effective production of green hydrogen.
Possible challenges and benefits
The use of palladium in green hydrogen generation is not without its challenges. Palladium is a precious metal and has limited availability, which can pose cost and supply chain challenges for large-scale implementation of electrolysis technology. To overcome this limitation, there is ongoing research to develop alternative catalyst materials that could replace or reduce the amount of palladium required for the HER. Additionally, efforts are being made to improve the recycling and reuse of palladium to reduce its environmental impact and ensure a sustainable supply chain for green hydrogen production.
Despite these challenges, the use of palladium in green hydrogen generation offers significant benefits. The high catalytic activity and stability of palladium-based catalysts contribute to the efficiency and reliability of electrolysis technology, making it a key enabler for the widespread adoption of green hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy carrier. As research and development efforts continue to advance the understanding and application of palladium in green hydrogen generation, the potential for cost reductions and increased availability of palladium-based technologies could further enhance the competitiveness of green hydrogen in the global energy landscape.
The sustainable benefits of palladium in hydrogen generation are obvious. Despite challenges related to its availability and cost, the unique properties of the white metal make it an essential component in the development of efficient and sustainable electrolysis technology for green hydrogen production. As advancements in materials science and engineering continue to drive innovation in this field, the role of palladium in hydrogen production holds promise for a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
