Researchers from KAIST and Seoul National University have developed a catalyst design technology that significantly enhances the efficiency of key reactions in batteries and hydrogen fuel cells. This method improves performance by adjusting the surrounding electric field environment without altering the catalyst's structure, potentially paving the way for advancements in next-generation energy technologies.
KAIST announced on June 1 that a team led by Professor Hwang Seung-jun from the Department of Chemistry and Professor Ryu Jae-yoon from Seoul National University successfully increased the selectivity of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) from 12% to as much as 52% by arranging cations (+) around the catalyst to create a localized electric field.
The oxygen reduction reaction is a critical process for generating electricity in next-generation energy devices, such as fuel cells for hydrogen vehicles and metal-air batteries. Previous research focused on improving performance by changing the type of metal used, such as switching from iron (Fe) to cobalt (Co) or nickel (Ni), or redesigning ligand structures. This study stands out by precisely controlling reaction characteristics solely through adjustments in the electrical environment without changing the catalyst material or form.
The research team believes that this principle could also be applied to catalyst technologies for converting carbon dioxide (CO₂) or hydrogen into useful substances, with expectations for expansion into carbon reduction technologies and environmentally friendly hydrogen production.
Professor Hwang stated, "This case demonstrates that we can finely control reaction characteristics using only the surrounding electrical environment without altering the catalyst's structure. We expect this to provide a new direction for the development of next-generation batteries, fuel cells, and eco-friendly energy catalyst technologies."
The study, co-authored by doctoral students Jo Hwi-yul and Kang Bom from POSTECH and postdoctoral researcher Kim Dong-young from KAIST, was published online in the Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS) on May 12. It was conducted with support from the Samsung Future Technology Development Project and the National Research Foundation of Korea.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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