Transition metal derivatives can act as catalysts in fuel cells
US scientists find low-cost catalyst for fuel cells
Cobalt nitride can be used as an electro-catalyst in alkaline fuel cells, Cornell University scientists say
US researchers have found a class of non-precious metal derivatives that can catalyse hydrogen fuel-cell reactions at a much lower cost than platinum. Cobalt nitride can be used in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) as an electro-catalyst in alkaline fuel cells. Cobalt is 475 times less expensive than platinum, which is conventionally used in fuel cells, says Professor Hector Abruna of the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Cornell University. Most fuel cells are acidic. Abruna and his colleagues published their findings in a paper, titled ‘Nonprecious Transition Metal Nitrides as Efficient Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysts for Alkaline Fuel Cells’, in the peer-reviewed journal
Also in this section
31 March 2025
Saudi Aramco’s blue hydrogen progress is a clear reminder that energy companies pivoting in search of greater returns may not be throwing the H₂ baby out with the bathwater
27 March 2025
Awards celebrate global innovation, leadership and achievement across the energy sector’s people, projects, technologies and companies.
27 March 2025
Region has all the ingredients to become a green hydrogen powerhouse but faces plenty of barriers and stiff competition
21 March 2025
European Hydrogen Bank auction is four times oversubscribed, while industry remains on pause in US amid IRA subsidy uncertainty
