An enzyme being researched at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) could displace platinum and become the go-to catalyst for hydrogen production and fuel cells, according to a study published last week. The enzymes are referred to as hydrogenases and are produced by desulfovibrio desulfuricans – a microscopic bacteria. While protected by being embedded in a polymer, the structure has an active center, where a cluster of iron and sulfur can either catalyze the oxidation of hydrogen to protons and electricity for fuel cells, or the reduction of protons to hydrogen in Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) based electrolysis. The ability to do both continues to be a game changer for the energy industry, with the enzymes offering the ability to…