Spanish Researchers Develop Molecular Catalyst for Switchable Hydrogen and Oxygen Production
Researchers at Spain's Singular Center for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CiQUS) have developed a molecular catalyst capable of switching between oxygen and hydrogen production by manipulating its assembly. This hybrid material, which combines a vanadium-based polyoxometalate cluster with carbon nanotubes, demonstrates oxygen-evolving efficiency comparable to commercial iridium catalysts and hydrogen-evolving performance nearing that of platinum. The project, part of a broader initiative on energy storage and conversion, involved collaboration with the University of Aveiro in Portugal and received EU funding.
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A team at the Singular Center for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CiQUS) in Spain has developed a molecular catalyst that can switch between oxygen evolution and hydrogen evolution based on its assembly. The hybrid material combines a vanadium-based polyoxometalate cluster with carbon nanotubes, where the arrangement of organic TRIS+ cations influences the electrochemical reactions.
When mixed, the TRIS+ cations remain confined, promoting oxygen production. In a directed assembly, the cations reorient and facilitate hydrogen evolution under acidic conditions. Electrochemical measurements show that the material's oxygen-evolving efficiency matches commercial iridium catalysts, while its hydrogen-evolving performance approaches that of platinum.
This research is part of a program focusing on energy storage and conversion materials and highlights a design approach for multifunctional catalysts. The project involved collaboration with researchers from the University of Aveiro in Portugal and received EU funding.
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