Renewable energies such as solar and wind are intermittent and require efficient storage methods. One of the most promising methods for renewable energy storage is water splitting, which converts these energies into hydrogen fuel. Solar or wind-driven water splitting can be done using electrolyzers, and alkaline electrolyzers are potentially scalable because they do not use precious metal catalysts. This project aims to apply several novel classes of water splitting catalysts developed in an ERC Starting Grant project in alkaline electrolyzers.
In this project, we have successfully constructed a small-scale prototype electrolyzer that operates under conditions relevant to commercial electrolyzers, such as in concentrated KOH solutions and at 80oC. We have been able to integrated our catalysts into this device and test their performance as well as stability. We find that our catalysts enable a high energy efficiency than using previously used catalysts. To give an example, water splitting at 2 A/cm2 is achieved below a cell voltage of 2 V. We also find that the catalysts are robust for more than 200 hours of operation.
The technological demonstrator is supplemented by a comprehensive market analysis, subtracted to an external expert firm. The analysis indicates significant market potential for high efficiency alkaline electrolyzers.
The Proof-of-Concept project provides an important and positive demonstration of the technological advantages and economic potential of the catalysts invented in the ERC starting grant project. The results are helpful in attracting the interest of companies in our technology. Discussion with several companies in licensing opportunities are underway.
