Heesung Catalysts Receives Young Researcher Award at the Korea Society of Climate Change Research Conference

Heesung Catalysts received the Young Researcher Award at the 2026 Spring Conference hosted by the Korea Society of Climate Change Research for its research on ammonia-based hydrogen production catalyst technology.

At the conference, Senior Researcher Kim Min-sik presented research findings on a highly durable Ni-based catalyst for ammonia cracking, introducing catalyst design strategies and commercialization potential for ammonia-based hydrogen production systems.

Growing Importance of Ammonia-Based Hydrogen Production

As hydrogen-based energy systems continue to expand, ammonia is gaining attention as a carbon-free hydrogen carrier. In particular, hydrogen production through ammonia cracking is considered a promising decarbonization technology that could help replace conventional fossil fuel-based hydrogen production processes.

Ammonia is attracting interest as a hydrogen carrier due to its advantages in storage and transportation, increasing the importance of catalyst technologies capable of efficiently decomposing ammonia to produce hydrogen.

Research on Highly Durable Ammonia Cracking Catalysts

The presentation introduced research on highly durable Ni-based catalysts designed for ammonia cracking reactions.

In ammonia-based hydrogen production systems, catalysts play a critical role in determining reaction efficiency and operational stability. In particular, catalyst technologies capable of maintaining stable performance under prolonged high-temperature operating conditions are increasingly important.

In this research, Senior Researcher Kim Min-sik optimized the internal catalyst structure and manufacturing conditions to achieve uniform dispersion of nickel components across the catalyst surface. Rare-earth-based materials were also applied to improve structural stability and maintain catalyst performance under high-temperature and long-term operating conditions.

As a result, the developed catalyst demonstrated improved ammonia conversion performance and durability compared to conventional catalysts, while maintaining stable reaction performance under high-temperature conditions. The research also established a production basis capable of ensuring performance consistency not only at laboratory scale but also in commercial-scale manufacturing processes.

The study received positive recognition for presenting practical catalyst design and mass-production strategies applicable to ammonia-based hydrogen production technologies, leading to the Young Researcher Award.

Strengthening R&D Support and Catalyst Technology Competitiveness

Heesung Catalysts will continue supporting its researchers in achieving outstanding research outcomes across various fields by strengthening R&D capabilities and encouraging technical exchange activities. The company also plans to further expand catalyst technologies applicable to real industrial processes while continuing to develop practical solutions that contribute to carbon neutrality and the energy transition.