KIMS Researchers Develop High-Performance Non-Precious Metal Catalyst to Slash Green Hydrogen Production Costs

KIMS develops a high-performance, low-cost iron-molybdenum catalyst that controls lattice structures and oxygen vacancies to improve water electrolysis.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 24, 2026, 11:49 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from National Research Council of Science & Technology

Overcoming the Efficiency Bottleneck in Water Electrolysis

Green hydrogen production through water electrolysis is a cornerstone of the future carbon-neutral economy, yet its widespread adoption has been hindered by the slow kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Historically, this process requires expensive precious metal catalysts like iridium or ruthenium to overcome high energy barriers. To address this, Dr. Dahee Park and her team at the Hydrogen Energy Materials Research Center have developed a non-precious metal alternative. By substituting iron into molybdenum oxide (MoOx), the researchers have created a catalyst that delivers high efficiency and stability using earth-abundant, low-cost materials.

The Science of Simultaneous Lattice and Defect Control

The core innovation of the KIMS study lies in the simultaneous manipulation of the catalyst's atomic arrangement and its "oxygen vacancies"—microscopic gaps in the crystal structure where oxygen atoms are missing. This dual control was achieved by incorporating iron atoms into the molybdenum oxide structure, which induces lattice distortion. This distortion, combined with engineered vacancies, facilitates faster electron transport and creates a higher density of active sites where the chemical reaction occurs. This structural tuning transforms a moderately performing material into a highly conductive and reactive surface.

Single-Step Synthesis via Spray Pyrolysis

To produce these advanced materials, the team utilized an aerosol-assisted spray pyrolysis process. This single-step synthesis method allowed the researchers to create Fe-substituted MoOx with a unique "Fe–O–Mo" heterostructure. This specific atomic bonding enhances the structural stability of the catalyst, ensuring it does not degrade during the rigorous conditions of alkaline water electrolysis. The process also allowed for the creation of sophisticated "core-shell" and "yolk-shell" architectures, which feature internal voids that significantly increase the surface area available for the water-splitting reaction.