About the project
Objective 1: Replacement of classic fluorinated membranes (Nafion) in PEM electrolysers by NF PEM through enhancing the proton conductivity, mechanical stability and thermal resilience of sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) membranes as well as screening, comparing and characterising commercially available NF PEMs for water electrolysers.
Objective 2: Evaluation, implementation and upscaling of highly active and durable catalysts based on high entropy alloys (HEAs) with reduced platinum group metal loading and support materials for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in modern water electrolysis.
Objective 3: Large-scale production of catalyst coated membranes (CCMs), using our newly developed NF PEM and catalyst materials. For this new type of CCM, an optimized break-in procedure & reproducibility evaluation will be developed, ensuring transferability of the knowledge for industrialization.
Objective 4: Validation & development of an improved centrifugal electrolyser prototype in which CCMs from O3 are included. The new prototype design allows to efficiently remove gas bubbles from the electrode interface, mitigating catalyst site blockages, which otherwise lead to overpotentials, concentration losses & high resistance, resulting in low efficiency & degradation,
Objective 5: The catalyst materials will be managed in a closed-loop through sustainable recycling for efficient, low-cost, environmentally friendly and secure material supply. This approach addresses the cost aspect, the supply chain risk as well as the sustainability.
Objective 6: Involvement of and engagement with end-users and other stakeholders along the entire development value chain to maximize social and economic impacts of the project results.
