NETL researchers develop nickel-based nanocatalyst molecule

Researchers at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) have developed a new nanocatalyst that could dramatically reduce the cost of operating electrochemical systems.

The molecular structure of the NETL catalyst utilizes nickel atoms in place of  more expensive metals such as platinum that have traditionally been used in electrochemical catalysts. These molecules will be used in the process that can convert CO2 into useful fuels, chemicals, and elements.

“This is a big deal,” Douglas Kauffman, lead researcher on the project said. “Precious metals are a serious cost-barrier for large-scale deployment of electrochemical systems, and eliminating them from the picture should enable less expensive electrochemical systems.”

The new catalyst is formed by linking six nickel atoms together using pairs of sulfur atoms as a bridge. The resulting molecular structure is a ring-shaped configuration that is extremely stable and reacts well with water to produce oxygen even more efficiently than platinum-based catalysts. Researchers were able to discern the catalyst’s structure, which resembles a crown, using advanced X-ray techniques.

NETL anticipates that the lower cost of the new catalyst will make large-scale CO2 conversion and hydrogen generation systems an attractive means of producing environmentally responsible fuels and chemicals.