INST Mohali study on CuO–CuWO4 heterojunction catalyst for green hydrogen
Scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, developed a CuO–CuWO4 p-n heterojunction catalyst that gives new insight into proton adsorption for green hydrogen production, DST said on 28 April 2025.
Summary
Scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, fabricated a CuWO4–CuO (copper tungsten oxide–copper oxide) p-n heterostructure and studied proton adsorption at catalyst surfaces for the hydrogen evolution reaction, according to a PIB release of 28 April 2025. They showed that the interplay between the built-in electric field and Gibbs free energy in the catalyst creates a favourable regime for hydrogen production, with high proton adsorption at the CuO phase and desorption at the CuWO4 phase — an example of 'negative cooperativity'. The insights can help build electrocatalysts for green hydrogen.
Key facts
- Institute
- INST Mohali (autonomous institute of DST)
- Catalyst
- CuO–CuWO4 p-n heterojunction
- Mechanism
- Built-in electric field and Gibbs free energy interplay
- Use
- Electrocatalysts for green hydrogen (HER)
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Scientists of INST Mohali reported a p-n heterojunction catalyst for green hydrogen production (PIB, 28 April 2025). Which materials form this heterojunction?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Copper oxide and copper tungsten oxide
INST scientists fabricated a CuWO4–CuO (copper tungsten oxide–copper oxide) p-n heterostructure.
Consider the following about the green hydrogen catalyst study reported on 28 April 2025: 1. The Institute of Nano Science and Technology is located in Bengaluru. 2. The institute is an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. INST is located in Mohali (Punjab) and is an autonomous institute of DST.