One of the most exciting tools in the clean energy transition is green hydrogen, produced by electrolysis. It promises clean fuel for industries, transport, and storage. But there’s a problem: the machines that drive this reaction, known as electrolysers, rely on scarce and costly metals like iridium. Global reserves are tiny, and demand is set to soar.
A new study from Westlake University in Hangzhou, China [30.1°N ,120.1°E] offers hope by showing how lanthanum, a more common element, can help us use far less iridium without sacrificing performance.
Anchoring Atoms for Stability
The research team developed a technique called lattice anchoring. By weaving iridium atoms into the crystal framework of another material — cobalt oxide (Co₃O₄) — and stabilising them with lanthanum, they created a catalyst that remains both active and durable.
This matters because during the oxygen evolution reaction (the part of water splitting where oxygen bubbles off), iridium tends to clump or dissolve, reducing efficiency. Anchoring the atoms in place prevents this, allowing high performance with only a fraction of the usual iridium.
What’s New Here
- Dramatic reduction in iridium use: The catalyst achieves strong performance with far less of this scarce metal.
- Enhanced durability: Thanks to lanthanum stabilisation, the catalyst resists degradation over time.
- Scalability potential: Using abundant cobalt and lanthanum alongside minimal iridium makes the approach more realistic for industrial-scale electrolysis.
Why This Matters
For hydrogen to play its role in the energy transition, electrolysers must scale up dramatically. But relying on iridium at current levels is unsustainable—the world produces only a few tonnes per year. This research shows a path to stretch supplies, lowering costs and reducing supply risks, while still achieving the efficiency needed for green hydrogen.
The Key Takeaway
By anchoring rare atoms with the help of common ones, researchers have found a way to make green hydrogen technology more practical and scalable. It’s a small adjustment at the atomic level, with potentially huge consequences for building a clean energy system that the world can afford.
Source
Lanthanum-assisted lattice anchoring of iridium in Co3O4 for efficient oxygen evolution reaction in low-iridium water electrolysis, Nature Communications, 2025-08-31
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