This year is rapidly coming to an end, which means we are one year closer to the 2050 net-zero deadline. Presently, the global carbon footprint is high, and carbon emission levels are at an all-time high. Fortunately, nations are working hard to address the issue. A new color of hydrogen has been created by Korean scientists, using only oxygen, water, and electricity. The new method is a breakthrough in renewable energy and has showcased remarkable results.
Hydrogen has become highly in demand, especially for certain colors
The world is working hard to keep its overall carbon footprint as low as possible. Whether at home or at work, the world is focused on going greener. Unfortunately, we still face significant challenges in our greener, low-carbon pursuit, including, but not limited to:
- Difficulty in decarbonizing certain industries, such as heavy industry and transport
- Excess energy storage and transport difficulty
One element that could address some of these challenges is hydrogen. According to a report by the Environmental Defense Fund, some of the main reasons why hydrogen has increased in popularity include:
- Ability to store excess renewable energy long-term
- Complementary fuel to battery-electric vehicles
- Grid flexibility capabilities
- Ability to decarbonize carbon-heavy industries
- Improved energy security
- Does not emit carbon when burned
However, not all hydrogen types are environmentally friendly, and hydrogen’s color determines how truly eco-friendly it is. Yes, we realise hydrogen is essentially colorless, but the color we are referring to is the method that was used to produce it. In fact, Korean scientists have created a new color of hydrogen.
A new color of hydrogen has been created
Hydrogen comes in various colors, including the turquoise hydrogen that Europe desperately wants for methanol production. Hydrogen can have either a high or low carbon footprint depending on the method used to produce it. A color is assigned to the particular process to represent its carbon footprint, for example:
- Brown or Black Hydrogen
- Gasification is used to create hydrogen from brown or black coal
- Extremely carbon-intensive
- Green hydrogen
- Water electrolysis is used to create hydrogen
- Process is powered by renewable energy sources such as wind power
While green hydrogen is the holy grail, it is still expensive to produce, and the production process is slow. Korean scientists have fortunately created something that could lead to a new color of hydrogen. Find out more below.
Korean scientists just needed this to create it
A research team that consists of Dr. Sung Jong Yoo of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Professor Chan Woo Lee of Kookmin University, and led by Professor Jin Young Kim from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Seoul National University’s College of Engineering, has created a new and improved electrochemical catalyst to replace platinum in electrolysis.
Platinum is a costly, precious metal that is used as a catalyst in hydrogen electrolysis. Unfortunately, it also degrades quickly. The newly engineered catalyst is more cost-effective and has showcased higher efficiency and stability, making it a feasible alternative for commercial applications. It consists of a small number of precious metals and comprises a ruthenium-based nanocluster and a core-shell structure.
The core-shell nanocluster catalyst can potentially be used in the following applications:
- Industrial applications
- Hydrogen power plants
- Environmentally-friendly transportation systems
- Hydrogen fuel cells for cars
So, by just using oxygen, water, and electricity, and the new catalyst, of course, we could end up with hydrogen that is even ‘greener’ than green hydrogen. However, further development will still be necessary before the new core-shell nanocluster catalyst will be commercially available, and only time will tell how soon that will be. In other hydrogen news, South Korea has opened new 2025 tenders to expand its hydrogen-based power production capacity. Korea sure isn’t playing around!
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