Iron catalyst doubles green hydrogen production efficiency

A new iron-based catalyst has more than doubled the efficiency of green hydrogen production, a significant advancement in clean energy. Researchers developed an iron-poor nickel ferrite catalyst that utilizes a unique phase transformation mechanism, boosting hydrogen conversion efficiency to 0.528% per gram, surpassing previous benchmarks. This catalyst operates at lower temperatures than conventional methods. The study identified atomic-level "structural active sites" within the iron oxide, revealing how they drive hydrogen production. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient hydrogen generation using solar or industrial waste heat.