In work that could usher in more efficient, eco-friendly processes for producing important metals like lithium, iron, and cobalt, researchers from MIT and
MIT and SLAC researchers have mapped what is happening at the atomic level behind a particularly promising approach called metal electrolysis. The work could usher in more efficient, eco-friendly processes for the production of metals like lithium and iron.
The material could replace rare metals and lead to more economical production of carbon-neutral fuels. An electrochemical reaction that splits apart water
An electrochemical reaction that splits apart water molecules to produce oxygen is at the heart of multiple approaches aiming to produce alternative fuels for transportation. But this reaction has to be facilitated by a catalyst material, and today's versions require the use of rare and expensive elements such as iridium, limiting the potential of such fuel production.
MIT researchers have developed a new type of catalyst material, called a metal hydroxide-organic framework (MHOF), which is made of inexpensive and abundant components. The catalyst speeds up the electrochemical reaction that splits apart water molecules to produce oxygen, which is at the heart of multiple approaches aiming to produce alternative fuels for transportation.