Recently, Professor Zhang Bo from Fudan University (Chairman of SHINE-HYDROGEN (Shanghai) New Energy Technology Co., Ltd..) and his team published important research results in the top international journal Nature Communications, titled "Optimization of Industrial Non precious Metal Catalyst Water Electrolysis Process Water Passage through Ionomer Engineering". This study provides innovative ideas for improving the performance of non precious metal catalysts in proton exchange membrane water electrolysis, and is an important breakthrough in the field of hydrogen energy from material design to engineering applications.
With the rapid development of the global green hydrogen industry, reducing the cost of hydrogen production through electrolysis of water and improving electrolysis efficiency have become a common focus of attention in the industry. At present, proton exchange membrane water electrolysis technology still heavily relies on precious metal iridium as a catalyst, and its high cost restricts its large-scale application. Chairman Zhang Bo led the team to propose an innovative molecular engineering strategy that significantly improved the stability and activity of non precious metal catalysts at high current densities, starting from the regulation of polymer structures.
The study introduced amphiphilic molecules to modify traditional ionomer structures, effectively optimizing proton transport channels and improving the mass transfer behavior of water and protons in the catalyst layer. As a result, stable operation of cobalt based catalysts for over 270 hours was achieved at industrial level current densities, with performance nearly four times higher than traditional materials. This achievement provides a new technological path for achieving low-cost, high-efficiency, and long-life electrolytic water hydrogen production systems.
As the founder and chairman of SHINE-HYDROGEN Energy, Professor Zhang Bo has always been committed to promoting hydrogen energy technology from the laboratory to industrialization. This achievement is not only an important breakthrough for Fudan University in the field of energy materials, but also provides strong support for the development and industrial layout of SHINE-HYDROGEN Energy's non precious metal PEM Water Electrolysis technology.
In the future, SHINE-HYDROGEN will continue to promote the deep integration of industry, academia, and research, accelerate the landing and transformation of innovative technologies, assist in the localization and cost reduction of China's green hydrogen industry chain, and contribute technological strength to achieving the "dual carbon" goal.
Original link:
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-64599-1
