A recent study published in Nature Catalysis challenges longstanding beliefs about the durability of iridium oxide, the leading catalyst for green hydrogen production. Led by University of Oklahoma Professor Kasun Gunasooriya and his team, the research shows that iridium oxide undergoes structural changes over time, forming short-range order patterns rather than becoming fully amorphous as previously thought. These newly formed iridium atoms exhibit higher catalytic activity than the original material.
This breakthrough could significantly reduce the cost of green hydrogen, a sustainable energy produced through water electrolysis. The high cost of iridium oxide currently drives green hydrogen pirces to $5/kg, compared to $1/kg for coal-derived black hydrogen. By targeting specific active sites in iridium oxide, scientists may lower the amount of iridium required, cutting production costs.
The findings align with the US Department of Energy's Hydrogen Shot initiative, which aims to cut renewable hydrogen costs by 80%. Gunasooriya conducted computational modeling for the study, offering a promising pathway for advancing clean energy technologies.