Hydrogen, especially green hydrogen, has emerged as a crucial energy carrier in this transition.

However, its large-scale production remains challenged by the high cost of catalysts, particularly platinum-based ones, used in water electrolysis.

To address this issue, scientists at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) in Bengaluru have developed a novel high-entropy alloy (HEA)-based catalyst that offers a cost-effective and efficient alternative.

This ground breaking innovation could significantly reduce dependence on expensive metals like platinum, making green hydrogen more accessible and commercially viable.

Green hydrogen, produced via electrolysis using renewable energy sources, is considered one of the most promising clean energy solutions.

It has applications in diverse sectors, including transportation, industry, and energy storage.

Unlike conventional hydrogen production methods that rely on fossil fuels and emit carbon dioxide, green hydrogen offers a zero-emission alternative.

However, one of the major bottlenecks in its widespread adoption has been the reliance on costly catalysts made from rare metals such as platinum and iridium, which are essential for the electrolysis process.

Researchers at CeNS have successfully engineered a novel catalyst using high-entropy alloys (HEAs), a new class of materials that contain multiple elements in near-equal proportions.

HEAs exhibit superior catalytic performance due to their unique structural and electronic properties, making them excellent candidates for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) in water electrolysis.

The key breakthrough in this study is the development of an HEA-based catalyst that offers a sustainable alternative to platinum without compromising efficiency.

By leveraging the synergistic effects of multiple elements, these catalysts exhibit high durability, improved reaction kinetics, and excellent stability under electrolysis conditions.

The findings mark a significant advancement in hydrogen production technology, making it more economical and scalable.

High-entropy alloys are known for their exceptional mechanical, thermal, and electrochemical properties.

Unlike traditional catalysts that rely on a single metal, HEAs incorporate a mix of five or more elements, leading to unique interactions at the atomic level.

These interactions create highly active catalytic sites, enhancing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance.

One of the primary advantages of HEAs in electrolysis is their ability to optimise hydrogen adsorption and desorption processes.

The diverse atomic configuration of HEAs provides an excellent balance of stability and reactivity, enabling efficient hydrogen generation at lower overpotentials.

This translates to reduced energy consumption, making the entire electrolysis process more cost-effective.

The novel HEA catalyst developed by CeNS offers several key advantages:

Cost-effectiveness: HEAs use abundant and affordable elements, significantly reducing reliance on platinum and other precious metals.

High efficiency: The unique structure of HEAs enhances catalytic activity, enabling faster and more efficient hydrogen evolution reactions.

Durability and stability: The strong atomic interactions in HEAs contribute to excellent stability under electrolysis conditions, extending the lifespan of the catalyst.

Scalability: The production of HEA catalysts is scalable, making them suitable for large-scale industrial applications.

Sustainability: By minimizing the use of scarce and environmentally detrimental materials, HEA catalysts align with global sustainability goals.

India has been actively promoting green hydrogen as part of its National Hydrogen Mission, aiming to become a global leader in hydrogen production and export.

The development of a cost-effective HEA catalyst aligns perfectly with this vision, paving the way for increased hydrogen production at competitive costs.

This innovation could accelerate India's transition to a hydrogen-based economy, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and cutting down carbon emissions.

The HEA catalyst also has the potential to drive advancements in India's public transportation sector, where hydrogen fuel cell buses and trains are gaining traction.

By lowering the cost of hydrogen production, this technology could make fuel cell vehicles more economically viable, furthering the adoption of clean mobility solutions.

While the HEA-based catalyst represents a significant step forward, further research is required to optimise its composition and performance.

Scientists at CeNS and other research institutions are likely to explore ways to fine-tune the catalyst for even greater efficiency and longevity.

Additionally, scaling up production while maintaining cost benefits remains a critical challenge.

Another crucial aspect is the integration of HEA catalysts with existing hydrogen production infrastructure.

Industries and policymakers will need to work together to ensure seamless adoption and commercialisation of this breakthrough technology.

The development of a novel high-entropy alloy (HEA) catalyst by scientists at CeNS marks a major milestone in the quest for affordable and efficient green hydrogen production.

By reducing reliance on expensive platinum-based catalysts, this innovation has the potential to revolutionise the hydrogen industry, making clean energy more accessible.

As India continues its push toward a sustainable future, breakthroughs like these will play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s energy landscape, fostering economic growth, and mitigating climate change.