Developed by Lab team (led by professor Seiji Ogo) in Kyushu University
A basic technology to extract electrons from hydrogen at normal temperature and pressure by using a nickel compound as a hydrogen catalyst has successfully been developed by the lab team.
The team has already developed a catalyst for ionizing hydrogen by using nickel contained in the hydrogenase as a natural substance.
The team has elucidated a mechanism for extracting electrons from hydrogen ions generated by using the catalyst.
It is said that the hydrogenase is present in the living thing and hence, is easy to be reproduced, and that its hydrogen catalyst efficiency is equal to or greater than that of platinum.
It is hoped that the new catalyst will supersede platinum catalyst.
Source and reference: Nikkei Net, "Study on Hydrogenase Applicable to Hydrogen Energy", Seiji Ogo