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Accelerate Sustainable Enabling of Oxygen Evolution Reaction Catalyst for Water Electrolysis

Project description

Low-cost electrocatalysts for water electrolysis

Large-scale synthesis of eco-friendly electrocatalysts is essential for the commercialisation of proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE), which is a key method for renewable hydrogen production. Currently, the high costs of electrocatalysts made from iridium, platinum, and ruthenium account for 40 % of PEMWE’s fabrication expenses. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the ABLE OER project aims to develop low-cost, scalable electrocatalysts via microwave continuous-flow synthesis, achieving an 80 % reduction in iridium loading and a 70 % reduction in material costs by using nanoceramics and secondary PGMs. This process yields a 50 % saving. Overall, the goal is to ease the adoption of PEMWE technology and reduce hydrogen costs.

Objective

Large scale synthesis of efficient, durable, and environmentally friendly electrocatalysts is key for commercialization of proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE), which is a vital route for renewable H2 production. State-of-the-art PEMWE is limited by the high price of the electrocatalysts which are composed of Ir, Pt and Ru (40% of fabrication costs of PEMWE). Against this background, the project ABLE OER aims to develop, characterize, and electrochemically evaluate low-cost, and up-scale supported electrocatalysts from commercial and recycled precursors using microwave continuous flow synthesis (MWCFS). The specific objectives of ABLE OER are to provide proof-of-concepts on i) synthesis of active and robust supported-OER catalyst, which reduces Ir loading by 80% at equivalent activity; ii) incorporation of abundant nano ceramics (as support material) and secondary PGMs for OER catalyst to reduce material cost by 70%; iii) an up-scalable continuous OER catalyst synthesis process, which lowers the production cost by 50%. The novel catalyst structure and the associated synthesis process will accelerate technological advancement and societal adoption of the PEMWE technology. My experience in inorganic materials and electrochemistry combined with the expertise of the host group in electrocatalysis for water splitting and recycling will synergistically contribute to achieving the ambitious aims of this project, which will be implemented at the University of Southern Denmark. I will learn new techniques in up-scale production of catalysts, mature my skills as an independent researcher, and increase my network to nurture international collaborations. The results of this project have the potential to greatly reduce the cost of H2 generated from renewable sources and thus transform the European and global energy sector.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01

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Coordinator

SYDDANSK UNIVERSITET
Net EU contribution
€ 230 774,40
Address
CAMPUSVEJ 55
5230 Odense M
Denmark
Region
Danmark Syddanmark Fyn
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost
No data