WP1: In the first months, project management procedures have been installed, such as an administrative toolset, a data management plan and a detailed risk management plan.
WP2: Monolithos has received from Schaeffler and CNR, spent anion and proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer MEAs, with CRM (Pt and Ir) and non-CRM (Ni, Fe , Mo) electrodes. The electrodes have been subjected to delamination and electrocatalyst qualitative and quantitative analysis, in order to apply hydrometallurgical MONOLITHOS method to recovery CRM and non-CRM materials. Additionally, perform Life Cycle Analysis studies to evaluate the environmental impact of the process, identify areas of high environmental impact and explore alternative options for reducing energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and waste generation.
WP3: Deep state-of-the art from scientific and technical sources allows to select the best protocols for AEM materials and membrane testing. Bibliographical review based on membrane performance show that Sustainion 37-50 Grade T from Dioxide Materials or Aemion from Ionomer Innovations would be good reference for Loop 1. Experimental work : equipment tools build-up is in progress. AEM Material : formulations, using experimental design approach, are selected and preliminary casting test casting of liquid formulations have started.
WP4: NiFe layered double-hydroxides (LDH) anode electro-catalysts developed (BET 116 m2/g; XRF: 85:15 at. %; XRD: PS=5nm); 40 % Ni0.8Mo0.2/C cathode electro-catalysts developed (XRF: 80:20 at. %; XRD: PS= 10 nm); Development of printing pastes (316L) with pore forming agents; Designing of printing screens according to a together with Schaeffler defined geometry and printing of first samples (316L); Testing of debinding of the developed pastes and first sintering trial. Samples are now being studied for achieved material properties such as porosity and successful debinding of all Carbon.
WP5: Design loops to adapt existing PEM platform to AEM technology. Align on components and test rig design according to our Stack specification.
WP 6: The development of a system for protype stack testing is in the beginning of engineering phase. Process flow diagram is created and a start is made on the mass and energy balance. Risk is that we are highly dependent on decisions that are still to be made in the stack design that could impact the design of the protype. Close collaboration with Scheaffler on this topic is needed (and organized already) to mitigate this risk.
WP 7: A project identity, a logo, flyer, website have been finished for communication activities. A communication, exploitation and dissemination plan has been made and uploaded.
