New Catalysts for Electrolysis/Fuel Cell Purposes

 

Hydrogen is considered a key enabling technology for the decarbonization of electricity supply and grid balancing. However, proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE), the only CO₂ free hydrogen production source that is adapted to renewable energy sources, is dependent on the rare noble metals Ir and Pt. In fact, only 8 tons of Ir is extracted yearly and to reach the global goals for hydrogen installations 10-50 times more Ir needs to be extracted every year. In this project, we aim to develop porous catalyst layers to decrease the noble metal content to below 1/10 of what is used today whilst maintain or increasing critical performance parameters such as efficiency and lifetime.

 

Industry demand for efficient low loading IrO₂ catalyst

There is today a very strong interest from industry to develop nanostructured IrO₂ catalyst with high performance even when the amount (loading) of the catalyst layer is drastically reduced to minimize the need for Ir in their next generation of electrolyzer systems. The technology we have developed is suitable for a long range of materials and nanostructures but with the tremendous industry demand for more efficient IrO₂ catalyst, we are focusing this project to help industry to find a solution suitable for their next generation electrolyzer that will enable large scale utilization of green electricity for hydrogen production.

Scaling of synthesis method to industrial size with high productivity

The experimental set-up is today suitable for production of test samples up to an active area of 150 cm². In production samples are in the range of 3,000-10,000 cm². Two approaches for scaling are now under development.

Involved in the project

Ulf Helmersson, Linköping University 
Sebastian Ekeroth, Linköping University and Ionautics AB
Rommel Viloan, Linköping University and Ionautics AB
Johan Ahlström, Ionautics AB
Joakim Ekspong, Linköping University

Partners

Active partners:
Linköping University 
Ionautics AB

Other partners in a reference group
Smoltek AB
AB Volvo
Chalmers