TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: Platinum-Free Hydrogen Catalyst

The Platinum-Free Hydrogen Catalyst technology from Los Alamos National Laboratory enables high-performance hydrogen production using entirely earth-abundant, U.S.-accessible materials instead of scarce and expensive precious metals like platinum. By delivering performance comparable to platinum-based systems and improved durability in an anion-exchange membrane water electrolyzer, it offers a pathway to lower-cost, domestically scalable hydrogen generation for industrial manufacturing, energy storage, refining, ammonia production and other strategic sectors. Eliminating reliance on precious metals strengthens supply chain security, reduces exposure to foreign-controlled critical materials and supports U.S. manufacturing competitiveness. The result is a cost-effective, durable and commercially viable hydrogen production platform aligned with national priorities in energy independence, industrial resilience, and advanced materials innovation. The Challenge: Hydrogen production via water electrolysis through anion-exchange membrane water electrolyzer is gaining industrial momentum, but current high-performance systems depend heavily on precious metal catalysts such as platinum and platinum ruthenium at the cathode. These materials are expensive, globally supply-constrained and subject to geopolitical and pricing volatility, creating cost and scaling barriers for electrolyzer manufacturers. At the same time, efforts to replace precious metals with earth-abundant alternatives have historically resulted in lower activity, reduced durability preventing non-precious metal systems from matching platinum-level performance at industrially relevant current densities. The market needs a hydrogen evolution catalyst that eliminates precious metals without sacrificing efficiency, durability or manufacturability. Problems Solved: Platinum-Free Hydrogen Catalyst eliminates the need for precious metal cathode catalysts while delivering performance comparable to platinum ruthenium systems in anion-exchange membrane water electrolyzers. By engineering a porous transport layer supported nickel molybdenum phosphide (NiMoPx) catalyst with precise control over composition and loading, it closes the long-standing activity gap between earth-abundant and precious metal HER catalysts. The result is industrially relevant current density (3 A/cm at 1.84 V), improved durability (2.5 longer in 100-hour testing) and consistent catalyst deposition compatible with scalable electrode fabrication. For electrolyzer manufacturers, this translates to reduced material costs, lower exposure to critical mineral supply risk and a viable pathway to high-performance, precious metal free hydrogen production. Key Advantages: Precious-metal-free performance Matches platinum ruthenium cathode performance in AEM electrolyzers (3 A/cm at 1.84 V) Enhanced durability Demonstrates 2.5 longer life in 100-hour testing versus PtRu catalysts Lower cost Replaces platinum with earth-abundant nickel and molybdenum. Supply chain advantage Minimizes reliance on scarce, globally concentrated precious metals. OEM-compatible and scalable PTL-supported architecture with controlled catalyst loading suitable for industrial AEMWE platforms. Market Applications: Hydrogen Production & Industrial Gas Supply Energy & Power Generation Oil, Gas & Refining Chemical & Fertilizer Manufacturing Metals & Industrial Processing Transportation & Infrastructure Development Status: TRL 3 US patent pending LA-UR-26-23078 LANL Tech Partnerships: Unlock the Innovative Potential Los Alamos National Laboratory offers a wide range of cutting-edge technologies and capabilities that may provide your company with a competitive edge in the market and unlock the innovative potential that can enhance, refine, and revolutionize your products. LANL s licensing program focuses on moving inventions developed by our researchers to commercial innovations. Patented and patent pending inventions and copyrighted software are available to existing and start-up companies through exclusive and non-exclusive licensing agreements. For specific discussions, please contact licensing@lanl.gov. Note: This is not a call for external services for the development of this technology. https://www.lanl.gov/engage/collaboration/feynman-center/partner-with-us/licensing-technology m.lanl.gov/tech-search