This project describes an innovative methodology for the synthesis of multi-metallic transition metal nitrides (TMNs) in a single step using readily available and cheap metal salt precursors. In the nitrides market, dominated by single metal nitride formulations, this technology allows access to multimetallic nitrides with 1-4 different metals through very cheap raw materials.
The AEM hydrogen production technology still requires new catalysts to improve its competitiveness versus alternative technologies such as alkaline or PEM. This ICIQ proprietary catalyst formulation allows the reduction of hydrogen production costs through the increase of the catalyst lifetime and the reduction of the energy inputs.
Herein, transition metal salts based on earth-abundant metals such as Fe, Ni, Co, Mn, Cu, Cr, Ti and Zn can be mixed in specific desired ratios. These precursor powders can be converted from the salt to the nitride at standard temperatures and very low reaction times (3-24 h). The resulting TMNs products can be formulated as inks and sprayed into polymeric materials leading to the formation of new innovative electrocatalytic membranes which can be used for the industrial production of hydrogen through the Anion Exchange Membranes (AEM) technology. Furthermore, this methodology allows complete control of the nitride composition, allowing the access to a wide range of multi-metallic products that may be incorporated into markets dominated by monometallic nitrides, improving their properties and discovering new innovative applications.
The patent application also describes a specific TMNs catalyst formulation with outstanding properties compared to the state of the art catalyst used in AEM hydrogen production technologies.
