HONG KONG – A breakthrough in stainless steel technology could revolutionize green hydrogen production, paving the way for a more sustainable global energy transition.
Researchers at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), led by Professor Mingxin Huang, have developed an innovative material called stainless steel for hydrogen (SS-H2).
This new technology addresses two key challenges in water electrolysis systems: cost and corrosion resistance, marking a significant advancement in green energy solutions.
Pioneering Green Hydrogen with SS-H2
Green hydrogen, created by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable electricity, is a critical component of efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Despite its potential, the high expense and limited durability of existing electrolysis materials have slowed its adoption. The development of SS-H2 offers a more cost-effective and sustainable alternative, making green hydrogen production more accessible.
SS-H2 addresses this challenge by offering comparable corrosion resistance to titanium at a fraction of the cost. This remarkable material was developed using a “sequential dual-passivation” technique, an innovative process that combines chromium– and manganese-based protective layers.
Dr. Kaiping Yu, the first author of the research, noted, “Initially, we did not believe it because the prevailing view is that manganese impairs the corrosion resistance of stainless steel. Mn-based passivation is a counter-intuitive discovery, which cannot be explained by current knowledge in corrosion science. However, when numerous atomic-level results were presented, we were convinced. Beyond being surprised, we cannot wait to exploit the mechanism.”
Industrial Applications and Cost Implications
The economic impact of SS-H2 is profound. A standard 10-megawatt proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis system, costing approximately HK$17.8 million, could see material expenses cut by up to 40 times with SS-H2. This cost reduction positions the material as a game-changer for industrial hydrogen production.
“From experimental materials to real products, such as meshes and foams, for water electrolyzers, there are still challenging tasks at hand. Currently, we have made a big step toward industrialization. Tons of SS-H2-based wire has been produced in collaboration with a factory from the Mainland. We are moving forward in applying the more economical SS-H2 in hydrogen production from renewable sources,” said Professor Huang.
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