JNCASR develops metal-free organic catalyst that makes hydrogen from mechanical energy
Researchers led by Prof. Tapas K. Maji at JNCASR, Bengaluru, have developed a metal-free covalent organic framework (COF) catalyst for piezocatalytic water splitting to produce hydrogen, the Science Ministry said on 5 May 2025.
Summary
Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru, an autonomous institution under the Department of Science & Technology, has developed a cost-effective, metal-free porous organic catalyst that produces hydrogen by harvesting mechanical energy. The team led by Prof. Tapas K. Maji of the Chemistry and Physics of Materials Unit designed a donor–acceptor based covalent organic framework (COF) for piezocatalytic water splitting. The study was published in Advanced Functional Materials. The work relates to the National Green Hydrogen Mission's push for clean hydrogen production.
Key facts
- Institute
- JNCASR, Bengaluru (autonomous, under DST)
- Lead researcher
- Prof. Tapas K. Maji
- Catalyst
- Metal-free donor–acceptor covalent organic framework (COF)
- Process
- Piezocatalytic water splitting for H₂
- Journal
- Advanced Functional Materials
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Consider the following statements about the hydrogen catalyst reported by JNCASR in May 2025: 1. It was developed by a team led by Prof. Tapas K. Maji. 2. It is a platinum-based catalyst. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The catalyst is a metal-free covalent organic framework (COF).
The Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) is located in:
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Bengaluru
JNCASR is in Bengaluru and is an autonomous institution under the Department of Science & Technology.