Domestic researchers have developed a non-precious metal 'cobalt-iron (CoFe)' based ammonia decomposition catalyst. This technology can replace existing precious metal catalysts and addresses the high-cost issue.
The research team led by Lee Soo-eon, a researcher at the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, and Chae Ho-jung, a senior researcher, noted on the 16th that they developed a catalyst technology with high ammonia decomposition efficiency at low temperatures by introducing cerium oxide into CoFe-based layered double oxide (LDO).
Ammonia is an eco-friendly energy source that can safely and efficiently store and transport hydrogen. Extracting hydrogen from ammonia requires a chemical reaction that decomposes ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen at high temperatures. Using a catalyst can increase the decomposition efficiency even at low temperatures, with the best-performing catalyst being the precious metal ruthenium. However, ruthenium is expensive and has limitations in decomposition efficiency.
The research team has developed a new non-precious metal catalyst based on low-cost cobalt-iron. This catalyst demonstrates excellent ammonia decomposition performance at a low expense, maintaining high efficiency even at low temperatures and enabling long-term operation.
The catalyst developed by the researchers achieved a maximum ammonia-hydrogen conversion rate of 81.9% at a temperature of 450 degrees Celsius. The efficiency was higher at more than 50 degrees lower than other catalysts. Even after long-term continuous operation at a temperature of 550 degrees, there was almost no structural change in the catalyst, and hydrogen production efficiency was maintained.
The researchers said, "The catalyst developed this time can be utilized in large ammonia-based hydrogen production plants, hydrogen power generation, hydrogen stations, and shipping sectors, particularly in systems that use ammonia as a hydrogen storage medium."
The researchers aim to enhance the catalyst's low-temperature hydrogen production performance through further research and plan to optimize the process for commercialization by 2030.
References
Chemical Engineering Journal(2024), DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2024.156986