Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAMTowards Green Hydrogen Production via Material Innovation
Alkaline electrolysis is a crucial process in the field of clean hydrogen production. But economic factors like cost and efficiency have been standing in the way of the sustainable energy solutions this method promises. The innovative project EXSOTHyC, short for ‘Exsolution-based Nanoparticles for the Lowest Cost of Green Hydrogen via Electrolysis’, is about to change that.
In a joint effort between the European Industry and researchers and engineers from five different countries, the project partners pursue the aim of optimizing electrolyser operation towards lower voltages and higher efficiencies. The key to that is a class of ceramic materials that form highly active metallic nanoparticles on the surface upon exposure to reducing atmosphere – a process called ‘exsolution’. These materials have high potential in terms of improving the performance of electrolysers; they are not only versatile but have a unique resilience to degradation. The main goal of the project is developing a concept for catalyst materials, cell and stack components for alkaline electrolysers, which is then realized in the world’s first alkaline electrolysis stack based on exsolution materials.
In order to revolutionize electrolysers, several steps are to be taken in terms of improving its individual components. Fraunhofer IFAM Dresden will contribute its extensive know-how in the field of powder metallurgy, which shows synergies with exsolution. In this context, the institute is responsible for the development and fabrication of the optimized electrodes.
The three-year research project is funded by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership focusing on electrolyser innovation. It is coordinated by Stargate Hydrogen and in addition to Fraunhofer IFAM, the project partners University of Saint Andrews, Agfa-Gevaert and Eindhoven University of Technology are involved. With the objective of tackling the need for green energy solutions, a breakthrough innovation in alkaline electrolysis technology is to be expected via bringing together broad expertise from around the world.
With its expertise in powder metallurgy, material development and component characterization for alkaline electrolysis, Fraunhofer IFAM brings its highly specialized expertise to complement those of the other partners. With regards to hydrogen-related technologies, Fraunhofer IFAM is a driver in the development and implementation of new technologies, including those around electrodes utilised in the production of hydrogen via alkaline electrolysis.
Fraunhofer IFAM in Dresden specializes in developments in the business fields of mobility and energy technology as well as medical engineering.
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