【Frontiers of HaiChuan Technology】Japanese Panasonic Holdings: Developed a technology for efficient hydrogen production without using the rare metal iridium

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Recently, Japanese Panasonic Holdings announced the development of a technology that enables efficient hydrogen production without using the rare metal iridium. According to Panasonic, current mainstream methods of hydrogen production are unable to adjust output according to demand, requiring large storage tanks to be installed near the hydrogen production equipment to store excess hydrogen. As a next-generation technology that allows for the adjustment of production volume as needed, electrode catalysts have attracted considerable attention. If iridium is used, the volume of the storage tank can be reduced, lowering the cost of hydrogen storage. Several companies already possess the relevant technology, and it is expected to become widespread by 2030. However, iridium is a by-product of platinum refining, and its global production is extremely low, at only about 8 tons per year; its price is even higher than that of gold. Furthermore, the distribution of iridium sources is uneven, with the majority found in South Africa, Russia, and Zimbabwe, making it vulnerable to geopolitical risks. Panasonic has developed a new type of electrode for hydrogen production devices, made by stacking nickel and iron compounds refined to the nanoscale. If such an electrode is installed in hydrogen production equipment, the hydrogen output can be adjusted according to demand. The company stated that it will go forward with pilot tests in collaboration with large power companies involved in hydrogen production, and that it plans to start selling the electrodes by 2030, after verifying their performance and durability. The size of the electrodes will also increase to accommodate large-scale hydrogen production. Japan has a long history of research on new types of electrodes. Previously, in 2022, Toshiba announced that it had developed a technology to reduce iridium usage by 90%. The RIKEN in Japan has developed a catalyst that reduces the use of iridium by over 95%.