The Technology
In order to enhance the efficiency of electrocatalysis, carbon electrodes are coated with platinum (Pt) catalyst. However, the use of Pt, which is a costly rare metal, poses obstacles to the growth of markets such as hydrogen production in electrolyzers, fuel cells, and ammonia production.
A promising alternative approach involves utilizing Corroles, which are aromatic tetrapyrrole molecules with low molecular weight, to coat carbon electrodes. This method has demonstrated highly efficient catalysis for these processes without the need for expensive Pt.
The coating process is achieved through physical vapor deposition, made possible by the low molecular weight of the novel discovered Corroles. Both the synthesis of these novel Corroles and the coating process are relatively inexpensive. The resulting electrodes are almost as efficient as Pt-coated electrodes for hydrogen gas production from water, and also excel regarding the conversion of nitrite to ammonia.
Advantages
- Inexpensive processes and materials
Applications and Opportunities
- Hydrogen gas production from water
- Fuel cells
- Ammonia production from nitrite
Business Development Contacts