Brookhaven National Laboratory’s MoSoy Catalyst is a low-cost, durable and effective catalyst that is made from biomass and inexpensive earth-abundant transition metals for the production of hydrogen. The catalyst, which won a 2016 R&D 100 award, is used as a cathode electrode in a solar photochemical electrolysis cell to split water into hydrogen (at a cathode) and oxygen (at an anode) using sunlight. Hydrogen is a promising power source for vehicular and stationary applications, solving the problems of depletion of fossil fuel reserves and CO2 emissions. Sustainable and affordable hydrogen production is indispensable for the commercialization of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs).
Current electrocatalytic systems for H2 generation typically incorporate noble metals such as Pt in the cathode catalysts, because their low overpotentials (h) and fast kinetics of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Replacement of platinum-based catalysts by low-cost and earth-abundant materials is a key for this technology to become economically viable. The present catalyst is made with a natural resource (soybean) and an earth-abundant transition metal (Mo) and is utilized as a heterogeneous hydrogen-evolving catalyst (MoSoy).
Each year for more than 50 years, R&D Magazine has honored the 100 best innovations in research and development. We are currently accepting applications for the 2017 R&D 100 Awards. Innovators with an exceptional product developed between January 1, 2016 and March 31, 2017 should apply. Submissions close April 14, 2017
For information on the 55th Annual R&D 100 Awards and to enter visit http://www.rd100conference.com
