MC2E

The design of catalysts plays a critical role in overcoming challenges such as side reactions, sluggish kinetics, high activation energies, and limited mechanistic understanding in chemical processes. Rational design approaches—such as elemental doping, heterostructure formation, and interface engineering—combined with computational tools like Density Functional Theory (DFT), are increasingly used to create catalysts that are both active and stable under real-world conditions. This is particularly important for electrocatalysts, which are vital to advancing renewable energy technologies, sustainable chemical production, and energy storage systems.

At MC2E, our research is focused on developing advanced electrocatalysts for green hydrogen production via direct seawater splitting. While seawater is an abundant resource, it presents technical hurdles, including the competing chlorine evolution reaction (CER) and metal ion deposition. We have developed novel electrode materials that operate at industrial current densities with enhanced resistance to chloride-induced corrosion. These materials show significantly improved performance and stability compared to conventional IrO₂ and Pt/C catalysts used for the oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions, respectively. Our goal is to deliver cost-effective, scalable, and durable electrocatalysts to enable the industrial production of green hydrogen—directly from seawater, without the need for pre-treatment.