Thiosemicarbazone Metal Complexes for Low-Overpotential Hydrogen Evolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current catalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs) and hydrogen oxidation reactions (HORs), such as platinum, are scarce and costly, limiting their practical large-scale application, and there is a need for more efficient, cost-effective, and easily synthesized catalysts with improved properties like lower overpotential and higher turnover frequency.
Innovation Solution
Development of inventive compounds, including thiosemicarbazones and their metal complexes like zinc, cobalt, or copper complexes, which are used in electrochemical cells and fuel cells to enhance hydrogen production and energy conversion efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If platinum is used as a catalyst for hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs) and hydrogen oxidation reactions (HORs), then catalytic activity is achieved, but the scarcity and high cost limit practical large scale application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive platinum catalysts with cheaper alternative catalysts composed of non-platinum metals such as nickel, cobalt, iron, or their alloys. These alternative catalysts, while potentially having shorter lifespan than platinum, provide cost-effective solutions for large-scale hydrogen production and oxidation applications, directly addressing the economic barrier to practical deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite catalyst structures combining multiple metals (e.g., nickel-cobalt alloys, iron-nickel composites) to achieve synergistic effects that enhance catalytic activity while reducing dependence on scarce platinum. These composite materials maintain reliability through combined metallic properties while significantly lowering material cost
2Productivity
If conventional catalysts are used for HERs and HORs, then hydrogen production and energy conversion can proceed, but efficiency is limited by higher overpotential and lower turnover frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies catalyst parameters including metal composition ratios, particle size, surface area, and crystal structure to optimize electronic properties and active site density. These parameter changes reduce overpotential by improving electron transfer kinetics and increase turnover frequency by creating more accessible active sites for hydrogen reaction, thereby enhancing overall efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates catalysts with non-uniform local structures featuring specific crystal facets, surface terminations, or compositional gradients that concentrate catalytic activity at optimal locations. This local quality optimization ensures that regions with highest turnover frequency are strategically positioned, while reducing overall energy consumption by minimizing inactive or less active regions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The use of these compounds reduces the overpotential and increases the turnover frequency for hydrogen evolution and oxidation reactions, making them more efficient and cost-effective alternatives to traditional catalysts.
Implementation Method 1
Platinum is a catalyst for HER and HOR, yet its scarcity and high costs limit practical large scale application. Development of inventive compounds, including thiosemicarbazones and their metal complexes like zinc, cobalt, or copper complexes, which are used in electrochemical cells and fuel cells to enhance hydrogen production and energy conversion efficiency.
Implementation Method 2
Hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs), which involve a two-electron reduction of protons, can be used to store energy in H2, with subsequent energy release through hydrogen oxidation reactions (HORs).
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, this application relates to inventive compounds (e.g., Formula (I), Formula (II), thiosemicarbazones and/or thiosemicarbazones and their metal (e.g., zinc, cobalt, nickel, or copper) complexes, and extended structures thereof), methods for preparation of the inventive compounds, compositions comprising the inventive compounds (e.g., anode, cathodes, catalysts (e.g., electrocatalysts), glassy carbon electrodes, carbon paste electrodes, covalently modified carbon (e.g., modified graphene)), electrochemical cells comprising compositions that comprise one or more inventive compounds, fuel cells comprising compositions that comprise one or more inventive compounds, uses of one or more inventive compounds to produce H2 (e.g., via an electrochemical cell), and uses of one or more inventive compounds to create energy from H2 (e.g., via a fuel cell). Additional embodiments of the invention are also discussed herein.