Silver nanocatalysts could significantly boost the efficiency of solid oxide cells — thanks to a surprising discovery: the same catalyst particles work at different reaction sites depending on the operating mode.
Solid oxide cells are versatile energy converters that can generate electricity in one direction and produce hydrogen in the other. Researchers have now found that silver nanocatalysts act at the catalyst-electrode interface during electricity generation, but shift to the catalyst-gas interface during hydrogen production.
The finding overturns the previous assumption that a single catalyst site serves both functions — and introduces a new design principle: materials can be optimized separately for each mode. That promises more efficient solid oxide cells for the next generation of fuel cells and electrolyzers.
The study, reported via Phys.org, highlights the importance of understanding microscopic reaction pathways in energy materials. It offers a blueprint for catalysts that work with near-zero losses in both directions — a step toward more affordable green hydrogen production and cleaner power generation.
