
Cutting Heat, Raising Hope—The Catalyst That Reduces Turquoise Hydrogen Barriers
January 6, 2025Green Technology – Breakthrough in Turquoise Hydrogen Production with Nickel-Cobalt Catalyst
Dr. Woohyun Kim and his research team at the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) have achieved a significant breakthrough in clean energy production. They developed an innovative nickel-cobalt composite catalyst that promises to accelerate the production of turquoise hydrogen. This discovery is a step forward in sustainable energy solutions, combining scientific ingenuity with practical applications.
What Makes Turquoise Hydrogen Special?
Turquoise hydrogen is made by thermally breaking down methane (CH₄) into two by-products: hydrogen gas and solid carbon. Methane, extracted from natural gas, acts as the feedstock. What sets turquoise hydrogen apart is that it does not emit carbon dioxide (CO2) during production. This eliminates the need for expensive carbon capture and storage technologies often required in other hydrogen production methods.
The process not only generates clean hydrogen but also produces solid carbon as a by-product, which can be used in various applications. However, turquoise hydrogen production has faced challenges due to the heat required. Existing catalysts demand extremely high temperatures, around 900°C, to drive the reaction efficiently. Such conditions limit the pathway to scalable and cost-effective hydrogen production.
Why Is This Catalyst Discovery Important?
The introduction of a nickel-cobalt composite catalyst addresses a critical barrier in turquoise hydrogen production—heat requirements. This new catalyst achieves efficient hydrogen production at much lower temperatures, approximately 600°C. By adding 2% cobalt to a standard nickel-based catalyst, Dr. Kim’s team not only increased the reaction efficiency but reduced energy input, potentially slashing operational costs.
Laboratory tests showed the catalyst’s performance was 50% more effective than older ones. Additionally, the new composite maintained its activity for 150 minutes, a 60% improvement over traditional catalysts, which typically sustain activity for just 90 minutes. These advancements make the hydrogen production process more stable, efficient, and sustainable.
Besides hydrogen, the process produces carbon nanotubes—a material with high industrial value. These nanotubes, known for their strength and conductivity, find uses in advanced batteries, construction materials, and electronics. The ability to co-produce hydrogen and carbon nanotubes makes this catalyst a dual-purpose innovation, enhancing both environmental and economic benefits.
How Could This Change Hydrogen Production?
If adopted at scale, this technology could revolutionize clean hydrogen production. Hydrogen is a versatile energy carrier, widely used to power fuel cells and industrial applications while enabling the transition away from fossil fuels. Lowering production costs and improving efficiency through Dr. Kim’s catalyst brings us closer to making clean hydrogen a commercially viable energy source.
Additionally, the dual output of hydrogen and valuable carbon nanotubes introduces a new revenue stream. Industries could rely on these materials to develop stronger structures, more efficient batteries, and innovative technologies, all of which align with global decarbonization goals.
This development could also expedite the Korean government’s hydrogen economy goals, which aim to supply 28 million tons of clean hydrogen annually by 2050. Internationally, it showcases a viable pathway to reduce reliance on CO2-emitting energy sources.
Is This the Only Use of Cobalt as a Catalyst?
Cobalt has long been recognized for its catalytic properties in various fields. Beyond hydrogen production, cobalt is widely used in the chemical industry and other green technologies. For instance, cobalt-based catalysts are employed in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, which converts carbon monoxide and hydrogen into liquid hydrocarbons like synthetic fuel.
Cobalt is also integral to battery production, particularly in cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Its ability to improve energy density and durability is key to modern electric vehicle (EV) technology.
Further research in the field of water-splitting reactions, which produce hydrogen through the electrolysis of water, has explored cobalt as a catalyst alongside other materials like nickel and platinum. Studies show cobalt’s potential in catalyzing oxygen evolution (one half of the water-splitting reaction), thanks to its high electrical activity and cost-effectiveness compared to precious metals.
Why Not Just Use Natural Gas and Skip Making Hydrogen?
Using natural gas directly versus converting it into hydrogen serves different purposes and offers unique benefits. Here’s why hydrogen is gaining attention as a cleaner, more versatile option:
- Emissions and Environmental Impact: Burning natural gas releases carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas. In contrast, hydrogen, when used as a fuel, primarily produces water vapor, making it a cleaner energy source. Producing hydrogen from natural gas through processes like turquoise hydrogen production can be more environmentally friendly if it captures carbon in solid form, avoiding CO2 emissions.
- Energy Versatility: Hydrogen is a versatile energy carrier. It can be used in fuel cells to generate electricity, power vehicles, and serve as a feedstock in various industrial processes. This versatility makes hydrogen a key player in transitioning to a low-carbon economy.
- Storage and Transport: Hydrogen can be stored and transported in different forms, potentially offering more flexibility than natural gas in certain applications. It can be used in areas where natural gas infrastructure is not available or where emissions need to be minimized.
- Decarbonization Goals: Many countries aim to reduce their carbon footprint and meet climate goals. Hydrogen, especially when produced cleanly, supports these objectives by providing a low-emission alternative to fossil fuels.
- Industrial Applications: Hydrogen is essential in industries like ammonia production, refining, and chemical manufacturing. These industries require hydrogen specifically, not natural gas, for their processes.
While using natural gas directly is efficient for certain applications, the push towards hydrogen is driven by the need for cleaner energy solutions and the versatility hydrogen offers in various sectors.
How Can This Technology Be Used Today?
This nickel-cobalt catalyst opens immediate avenues for small-to-medium-scale hydrogen production facilities. Industries reliant on consistent hydrogen supplies, such as refineries, ammonia production plants, or hydrogen fuel cell manufacturers, could adopt the technology to lower costs and accelerate decarbonization efforts. Additionally, sectors that manufacture composite materials, batteries, or electronics could benefit from the surplus carbon nanotubes generated.
Developing countries with limited access to advanced carbon storage technologies could also use this method to create clean hydrogen with minimal environmental impact. The technology is particularly suited to regions where natural gas is abundant, providing a sustainable way to turn methane into valuable outputs.
While mass production requires further development and evaluation, the groundwork laid by Dr. Kim’s team suggests that a commercial pathway for clean hydrogen and carbon nanotube production could emerge within the next decade. Pairing this catalyst with renewable methane sources, like biogas, could further enhance its sustainability credentials.
A Step Forward for Hydrogen and Clean Energy
This discovery marks an important step toward more efficient, lower-cost, and sustainable hydrogen production. By reducing the energy barrier and introducing dual-purpose outputs, the nickel-cobalt catalyst addresses both technical and economic bottlenecks. Beyond hydrogen, it showcases the potential for smart materials like carbon nanotubes to drive innovation across industries.
Although challenges like scalability and infrastructure readiness remain, the technology lays the foundation for a cleaner energy future. With research advancements and strategic integration into current energy systems, this catalyst could soon play a pivotal role in powering industrial processes, transforming transportation, and fostering sustainable growth on a global scale. Improved hydrogen production isn’t just about clean energy—it’s about tapping into smarter, more flexible solutions to meet the world’s energy demands.