Laser Carbon: A Carbon-based Catalyst

Recently, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology, Mandi, developed a carbon-based catalyst called ‘laser carbon’ that can make water electrolysis more efficient, affordable and stable.

Context

• Water electrolysis is a process of splitting water into its constituent atoms using electricity, which requires a catalyst to reduce energy consumption.

Key Points

• Production Process: Laser carbon is produced by exposing a sheet of a polyimide polymer to a laser beam, carbonizing the exposed bits and leaving the remainder rich in nitrogen.
• Mechanism of Action: Laser carbon increases the surface area of the material, which can catalyze the reaction and reduce the over ....