Russian researchers have unveiled a new electrocatalyst intended to boost the production of hydrogen and oxygen from water. The development was reported by the press service of the Russian Science Foundation (RNF).
Hydrogen is widely regarded as a clean energy carrier because burning it does not emit pollutants. There are two principal routes to obtain hydrogen: electrolysis of water and extraction from natural gas. Of these, only electrolysis yields zero carbon dioxide emissions, since water is split into hydrogen and oxygen without releasing greenhouse gases. The oxygen produced during electrolysis serves critical roles across sectors, from medical ventilation to metal manufacturing and beyond. For effective electrolysis, catalysts are essential, and there is a push to minimize reliance on precious metals such as platinum. In recent years, nickel and copper compounds have gained traction as cost-effective alternatives, yet their catalytic activity has often been limited by the larger particle sizes achieved in traditional synthesis, which slows the overall decomposition reaction.
The team from the Ioffe Physical-Technical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, together with collaborators, has introduced a novel catalyst platform built on carbon microtubes coated with nickel and copper. The protective coatings were produced through electrodeposition using complex ammonium-sulfosalicylic electrolytes, a class of organic ligands that are more structurally elaborate than those typically employed in similar studies. Electrodeposition refers to the process by which metal is deposited onto a surface at an electrode as a result of an electrochemical reaction.
The researchers achieved exceptionally thin coatings that incorporate metal nanoparticles: the Ni-carbon configuration yielded tubes roughly 1.2 nanometers thick, while the Ni-Cu-carbon arrangement measured about 0.5 nanometers. The team characterized the samples with scanning electron microscopy, X-ray techniques, and electrochemical testing. By moving from a straightforward synthesis route to a more sophisticated deposition method, they increased the electrochemically active surface area of the materials. Specifically, the catalysts displayed surface areas rising from 265 square centimeters to 1400 square centimeters for nickel and 780 square centimeters for the nickel-copper system. This enhancement translates into more efficient hydrogen release. Using carbon fiber as a substrate also promises cost reductions, improved environmental performance, and lower metal consumption, making the approach attractive for scalable hydrogen production.
Looking ahead, the researchers aim to further boost catalyst performance by refining the electrolyte composition and adjusting the deposition rate. They are also exploring the possibility of replacing sulfosalicylic acid with more environmentally friendly alternatives, such as citric acid, to reduce potential ecological impacts while maintaining catalytic efficiency.
In the broader context, this advancement aligns with ongoing efforts to expand green hydrogen infrastructure and to diversify the materials used in electrolyzer catalysts, potentially accelerating commercialization and adoption in energy systems across Russia and beyond. The findings add to a growing body of work that seeks cheaper, lighter, and more sustainable catalytic systems for water splitting, with a focus on maximizing active surface area and minimizing precious-metal content while preserving, or even enhancing, performance.
These developments come at a time when researchers emphasize the strategic importance of electrolysis-driven hydrogen technologies as part of a cleaner energy future. The research illustrates how careful material design, precise electrodeposition techniques, and thoughtful choice of ligands can collectively push the efficiency envelope without resorting to scarce metals. The ongoing exploration of carbon-supported metal nanoparticles continues to reveal new pathways toward practical, scalable solutions for sustainable fuel production, with potential implications for both industry applications and environmental stewardship.