Catalyst breakthroughs boost green hydrogen and CO₂‑to‑methanol production

Researchers at the Tecnológico de Monterrey have created low‑cost ferrite spinel electrocatalysts that markedly improve the efficiency of water electrolysis for green hydrogen. By replacing expensive iridium‑ and ruthenium‑based materials with iron‑based ferrites and controlling nanoparticle size through a micro‑emulsion technique, the new catalysts reduce energy consumption and increase reaction speed, making green hydrogen more economically viable for hard‑to‑decarbonise sectors such as transport and aviation.

A separate study examined the effect of zirconium and gallium promoters on copper/TiO₂ catalysts used for the hydrogenation of captured CO₂ into methanol. Experiments showed that Zr‑promoted catalysts achieved up to 75 % selectivity, thanks to a high‑surface‑area amorphous ZrO₂ phase and enhanced copper dispersion, while Ga promoters improved methanol formation rates but could hinder activity at higher concentrations. Both research efforts aim to lower the cost and improve the performance of clean‑fuel technologies, supporting broader decarbonisation goals.