Heterostructure Phosphide Cathode

Government

National laboratory research

A nanoscale heterostructure composed of two complementary metal phosphides designed to replace platinum in water electrolyzers. One phosphide phase excels at breaking water apart, while the other facilitates hydrogen atom combination and release.

A water electrolysis technology that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen while shuttling hydroxide ions through an alkaline polymer membrane. AEMWE combines the cost benefits of traditional alkaline electrolysis with the compactness and efficiency of membrane-based technologies.

A water electrolysis technology that uses a solid polymer membrane to conduct protons. PEM systems traditionally rely on platinum group metals as catalysts.

Missouri

Research and development of a non-precious-metal catalyst system for anion-exchange membrane water electrolyzers, combining a nanoscale heterostructure of two complementary metal phosphides with a nickel-iron anode.