Wood waste turned catalyst could unlock affordable green hydrogen from ocean

Scientists have achieved a significant breakthrough in the production of green hydrogen.

They have created a novel kind of electrode, named the W-NiFeS/WC (W-doped nickel-iron (NiFe) sulfide/Wood-based carbon) electrode, which performs significantly well in seawater electrolysis.

Electrolysis is the process of splitting seawater into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity; and the latest development could revolutionize this process, giving a significant boost to sustainable energy.

This research, published in the journal Science Bulletin, tackles the challenges of seawater electrolysis while showcasing the potential of repurposing wood waste in electrochemical devices.

Path to decarbonization

Seawater electrolysis is seen as a promising method to reduce carbon emissions in the energy sector. It is expected to offer a clean and plentiful source of hydrogen fuel.

Despite its potential, issues such as anode corrosion, unwanted side reactions, and expensive catalysts have hindered its widespread adoption.

The W-NiFeS/WC electrode can tackle these issues. It has demonstrated superior activity and stability in both the key reactions needed for seawater electrolysis: the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).

The electrode’s performance comes from its unique structure and chemistry. Its three-dimensional porous structure, derived from wood-waste carbon, provides a large surface area for reactions and efficient charge transfer. Densely anchored W-NiFeS nanoparticles further enhance its capabilities.

“Wood-based carbon (WC) structures have gained attention as an ideal substrate for these active materials due to their hierarchical porous nature and excellent conductivity,” the researchers mentioned in the press release.

Adding tungsten to the catalyst improves its anti-corrosion properties and stability, ensuring durability in seawater.

Self-healing mechanism and efficient catalysis

During the oxygen evolution reaction, this electrode undergoes a structural change that forms anti-corrosive materials on its surface, which boosts its stability.

“Especially, the in situ structure evolution of W-NiFeS/WC in OER generates anti-corrosive tungstate and sulfate species on the surface of active Ni/Fe oxyhydroxides,” explained Zhijie Chen, the first author of the study.

“Also, the self-evolved W-NiFeS decorated NiFeOOH can catalyze HER efficiently,” added Chen. It further supports hydrogen production.

Not only is the W-NiFeS/WC electrode effective, but it’s also affordable to produce. This makes it ideal for large-scale applications in seawater electrolysis.

This could help reduce the cost of green hydrogen, making it a competitive alternative to fossil fuels.

This research also highlights the importance of a circular economy. By turning wood waste into valuable catalysts, scientists have shown a sustainable way to produce clean energy.

Towards a greener future

The innovative use of wood-waste derived carbon structures in the electrode design opens doors for further advancements in sustainable material science.

The development of the W-NiFeS/WC electrode is a major step towards sustainable green hydrogen production. Its strong performance, affordability, and environmental friendliness make it a promising technology for a future powered by renewable energy.

Ongoing research in this area is likely to lead to further advancements, bringing us closer to a world of clean and abundant energy for everyone.