Rational design of multifunctional electrode interface for efficient electrocatalytic hydrogen production

One of the biggest problems of modern humanity is the insatiable need for energy. Looking to the future, energy conversion processes must be sustainable. Hydrogen is considered the fuel of the future, and electrolysis of water is one of the ways to obtain extremely pure hydrogen. However, the best catalysts belong to the group of platinum metals, and in practice, cheaper metals, such as nickel, are used, which are less effective.

Therefore, water electrolysis is a relatively expensive process. RatioCAT attempts to contribute to the solution of this problem by developing extremely active non-platinum hydrogen production catalysts that can be combined with solar cells, making hydrogen production sustainable and economically viable.

Given the global importance of sustainable energy conversion, the goals of this project go beyond the borders of Serbia. The researchers also hope to establish cooperation with partners from the industrial sector who will be interested in the catalysts developed within the project. Therefore, their plans are focused on strengthening the applied part of the research, connecting with industry and implementing the results for commercial purposes, but also on applying for large international projects and internationalizing the research they are developing.

The project goal: To develop a new family of noble metal-free electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction guided by a combination of multiscale modeling and rational computational design with synthesis, characterization, and experimental testing.

Metodology: Unlike the standard trial-and-error experimental approach, we use rational computational design to identify potential candidates for new catalysts, which will then be synthesized and experimentally tested

Expected results: A completely optimized electrocatalyst that will be more active and less expensive than currently used materials. A new methodology and theoretical knowledge that will be applicable to other, more complex electrocatalytic processes.