A research team led by Dr. Kee Young Koo from the Korea Institute of Energy Research has made a significant breakthrough in hydrogen production by developing a more cost-effective method for synthesizing ammonia decomposition catalysts. Ammonia, with its high hydrogen content, is seen as a promising carrier for hydrogen due to its existing global infrastructure. The team's focus on ruthenium catalysts led to a novel synthesis method based on the polyol process, resulting in a catalyst that shows remarkable performance improvements over conventional catalysts. By controlling nanoparticle aggregation without capping agents, the team achieved a more efficient catalyst with higher hydrogen production rates. The newly developed catalyst, with a reduced activation energy and increased hydrogen formation rate, points towards excellent economic potential for hydrogen production from ammonia. Dr. Kee Young Koo highlighted the practicality of this technology in overcoming the limitations of mass-producing conventional nanocatalysts, emphasizing its future role in localization and commercialization. The research, published in the prestigious journal Small, was supported by the National Research Council of Science & Technology, showcasing the importance of this advancement in the field of nanotechnology and sustainable energy.