Dhanbad IIT (ISM) develops low-cost catalyst to boost green hydrogen production
In a significant advancement aligned with India’s clean energy goals, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology, Indian School of Mines (IIT-ISM) in Dhanbad have made a breakthrough in green hydrogen production. They have developed a low-cost and efficient electrode material that could potentially reduce the cost of green hydrogen production by 400 to 500 times.
The Importance of Green Hydrogen
Green hydrogen is produced through the process of water splitting using renewable energy sources. It is considered a vital solution for reducing carbon emissions in various industries, including:
- Steel
- Fertilizers
- Petroleum refining
- Chemicals
India has set ambitious targets under its National Green Hydrogen Mission, aiming to produce five million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030. This mission is crucial for transitioning towards a low-carbon economy.
Research Team and Methodology
The research was spearheaded by Dr. SK Riyajuddin, an INSPIRE Faculty member in the Department of Physics at IIT-ISM, alongside his research scholars Priyadarshani Tamang and Rumana Sultana Parvin. Dr. Riyajuddin emphasized the challenge posed by the high costs of catalysts used in green hydrogen production. Currently, noble metals like platinum and ruthenium are the standard, but their scarcity and expense hinder widespread adoption.
Development of a Novel Catalyst
The research team successfully developed a novel catalyst by combining molybdenum disulfide and vanadium sulfide with reduced graphene oxide. This combination creates a highly conductive and efficient system that utilizes low-cost elements such as:
- Molybdenum
- Vanadium
- Sulfur
- Carbon
Dr. Riyajuddin noted that this innovative material demonstrates a strong synergistic effect, significantly reducing the energy required for electrochemical water splitting. This advancement means that hydrogen can be produced more efficiently without relying on costly precious metals.
Solar-to-Hydrogen Approach
In an impressive demonstration, the researchers were able to produce green hydrogen using a commercially available silicon solar cell. Dr. Riyajuddin explained, “We have shown a complete solar-to-hydrogen approach, where sunlight and water alone can generate clean fuel.” This represents a crucial step towards sustainable and scalable hydrogen technology.
He further clarified that much of what is currently labeled as green hydrogen is not genuinely green, as it often relies on fossil fuel energy for production. The integration of solar cells with a water electrolyzer system enables the generation of green hydrogen through what Dr. Riyajuddin describes as “artificial photosynthesis.”
Cost Implications and Future Prospects
The current cost of green hydrogen production in India ranges between Rs 250 and Rs 350 per kilogram. Experts believe that reducing catalyst costs could play a vital role in making hydrogen commercially competitive. Dr. Riyajuddin shared that the findings of their research have been published in the international journal Small (Wiley, 2026).
This development is expected to bolster India’s efforts in transitioning towards a low-carbon economy and enhance its position in the global clean energy landscape. Green hydrogen is recognized as one of the cleanest energy carriers available, producing only water as a by-product when utilized.
Applications of Green Hydrogen
Green hydrogen has a high energy density and can be applied across several key sectors, including:
- Fertilizer production
- Petroleum refining
- Chemical manufacturing
- Steel industries
In the future, green hydrogen is also expected to power fuel-cell vehicles, generate clean electricity, and provide high-temperature industrial heat, thereby significantly reducing carbon emissions.
Conclusion
The research conducted by IIT-ISM represents a pivotal step in advancing green hydrogen technology. By developing a low-cost catalyst that utilizes abundant materials, the team is contributing to a more sustainable energy future. As India continues to pursue its green hydrogen ambitions, innovations like these will play a crucial role in achieving a cleaner and more sustainable economy.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on research findings published in the international journal Small and reflects the current state of green hydrogen technology as of 2026.
