Researchers at North Carolina State University have shown
that a one-atom thick film of molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) may work as an
effective catalyst for creating hydrogen. The work opens a new door for the
production of cheap hydrogen.
Hydrogen holds great promise as an energy source, but the
production of hydrogen from water electrolysis – freeing hydrogen from water
with electricity – currently relies in large part on the use of expensive
platinum catalysts. The new research shows that MoS2 atomically thin films are
also effective catalysts for hydrogen production and – while not as efficient
as platinum – are relatively inexpensive. (A Q&A with Cao on how this
research differs from earlier studies of other catalysts for hydrogen
production can be found on NC State’s research blog.)