A research team led by Dr. Kee Young Koo from the Hydrogen Research Department at the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) has developed a cost-effective method for synthesizing ammonia decomposition catalysts, crucial for efficient hydrogen production. Ammonia, with its high hydrogen content, is seen as a promising carrier for hydrogen, especially for long-distance transport and large-scale storage. The team's innovation in ruthenium catalyst synthesis, using the polyol process without capping agents, has significantly improved performance. By controlling carbon chain structures, they achieved uniform dispersion of ruthenium particles and the formation of highly reactive 'B5 sites', enhancing catalytic activity. The resulting catalyst showed remarkable performance enhancements, including a lower activation energy, increased hydrogen formation rate, and higher efficiency in ammonia decomposition. Dr. Koo emphasized the economic viability of their catalyst and its potential for commercialization in various ammonia cracking systems. This breakthrough, recognized in a prestigious journal, signifies a crucial advancement in ammonia decomposition technology, offering a promising outlook for the hydrogen economy.