Puertollano Green Hydrogen Plant Put Into Trial Operation
A few days ago, a green hydrogen plant in the Puertollano region of Spain officially entered the trial operation stage, which is currently the largest green hydrogen plant in Europe. The scale of the global hydrogen energy market is expanding rapidly, and green hydrogen is widely regarded as an important direction for future energy development. According to the data of the International Energy Agency, the total global hydrogen production will reach 94.23 million tons in 2021, and it is expected that the output will reach nearly 180 million tons in 2030. At present, less than 0.1% of the global hydrogen production is green hydrogen.
Hydrogen energy is one of the clean energy sources with the most development potential, and hydrogen production technology by electrolysis of water is one of the most important ways to produce hydrogen.
At present, there are many types of catalysts for alkaline electrolysis of water in terms of scientific research, precious metal-based catalysts (Pt, Pd, Au, Ag etc.), non-precious metal-based catalysts (Fe, Co, Ni etc.), non-metal-based catalysts (carbon materials, etc.). However, most of the catalysts currently used in large-scale electrolytic cells are Ni-based, pure nickel mesh or nickel foam, or highly active Ni-based catalysts sprayed on this base (Raney nickel, activated nickel sulfide, NiMo alloy or activated treatment NiAl, etc.).
There are some issues worth discussing in terms of catalysts, such as why use Ni-based catalysts, the reasons are summarized as follows:
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The preparation process of Ni-based catalyst is mature
At present, Nickel mesh,Nickel felt, Nickel foam and other products are relatively mature. The width of Nickel mesh can meet the application of large-scale alkaline electrolysis hydrogen production device, and the mesh number and thickness of Nickel mesh can be well controlled.
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The price of Ni-based catalyst is relatively cheap
Under the condition of alkaline solution, Ni-based catalyst can exhibit higher current density at a certain cell voltage, and the price of metal Ni is lower, which can effectively reduce the cost of the electrode under the premise of ensuring certain performance.
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Contact corrosion between the plate and the catalyst
