IIT Indore develops catalyst for economical hydrogen production from methanol

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Indore has developed a catalyst that produces pure hydrogen from methanol at a significantly lower temperature and cost compared to traditional methods. 

The catalyst, developed under the leadership of Professor Sanjay K Singh from the Department of Chemistry, allows hydrogen production at 130 degrees Celsius, whereas conventional methods require temperatures exceeding 200 degrees Celsius.

This new catalyst can produce one kilogram of hydrogen from 13 litres of methanol, offering a potential solution to reduce reliance on fossil fuels like diesel and petrol. The technology is economical and environmentally friendly, making it suitable for industrial and commercial applications.

The innovation has been granted a patent, and discussions are currently underway with industry partners to commercialise it.