Fundamental Research

PEM Electrolysis for hydrogen production from water: is platinum strictly required ?

Dihydrogen H2 has a bright future ahead in the drive for energy transition. However, it is seldom found in its natural state on Earth. Water electrolysis can produce carbon-free dihydrogen, provided that the electricity used is carbon-free. As part of the MoSHy project, which brings together three research laboratories including IFPEN, several methodologies are being developed, which combine experimentation and molecular modeling, in order to identifyhigh-performance electrocatalysts that are also frugal in terms of scarce resources. A promising avenue that has captured the attention of researchers is the use of molybdenum sulfide (MoS2)-based active phases in PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) electrocatalysts, which also opens up a possible conversion solution for these major ingredients in refining catalysts.