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The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) uses iron nitride to replace precious metals in order to reduce hydrogen production costs. The technology developed by the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (hereinafter referred to as KIST) enables a significant reduction in the use of precious metals such as platinum and iridium in electrolyzer systems, thereby lowering the costs associated with hydrogen production. Hydrogen is a universal, storable, and potentially zero-carbon fuel source, and it is one of the solutions for countries to achieve net-zero goals. When hydrogen burns or is used in fuel cells, it produces only heat and water as by-products. Hydrogen is a highly attractive alternative to fossil fuels in industry, electricity generation, shipping, and transportation. The high cost of electrolyzers required for producing green hydrogen results in expensive green hydrogen prices. KIST states that the technology they have developed can significantly reduce the amount of precious metals such as platinum and iridium used in the electrode protection layers of polymer electrolyte membrane electrolyzers, while ensuring performance and durability comparable to those of existing electrolyzer systems. Unlike previous studies, the researchers focused on reducing the amount of iridium catalyst while maintaining a structure that relies on precious metals as an electrode protective layer. The researchers replaced these precious metals with inexpensive iron nitride. Dr. Hyun S. Park of KIST said that reducing the amount of iridium catalyst used and developing materials to replace the platinum coating are crucial for the economic viability and widespread adoption of polymer electrolyte membrane-based green hydrogen production systems. It is significant to use inexpensive iron nitride as a substitute for platinum. A polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis device is a system that uses electricity generated from renewable sources to split water, producing high-purity hydrogen and oxygen. This typical device has two electrodes that can produce hydrogen and oxygen. The anode is usually coated with gold or platinum, followed by a second layer of iridium catalyst to prevent corrosion. The use of these precious metals is the main obstacle to expanding hydrogen production. To improve the cost-effectiveness of the electrolyzer, the research team replaced rare metals with inexpensive iron nitride (Fe2N). They first coated the electrodes with iron oxide, and then converted the iron oxide into iron nitride to improve its electrical conductivity. Experimental results show that this electrode exhibits high hydrogen production efficiency and durability. Professor Park said that, after further observing the performance and durability of the electrodes, the technology will be commercialized in the near future. The research findings of KIST researchers were published in the journal Applied Catalysis.