Electrocatalytic Versatility in Diverse Electrolyte Conditions
Abstract
This project seeks to understand and develop materials relevant to performing electrocatalysis in diverse electrolyte conditions. Ma,ny civilian and Navy technologies rely on efficient and selective catalysis, particularly those powered electrically. Electrochemica,l catalysis is important for fuel generation from abundant resources, such as seawater, carbon sequestration and conversion into fue,l, and is broadly relevant to detection technologies and corrosion science. One primary benefit is that electrochemical catalysis is, agnostic to the electrical input energy; it can be powered by solar, wind, or conventional power-generating technologies. As such,,it provides a powerful opportunity for on-demand fuel and energy storage, reduced logistical demands, increased energy security, and, better power stability.The proposed work will develop an understanding of performing electrocatalysis in a variety of diverse elect,rochemical conditions. In particular, it focuses on understanding hydrogenevolution reaction (HER) and, to a lesser extent, oxygen e,volution reaction (OER). Many electrochemical devices and technologies require an electrocatalyst to operate in a variety of conditi,ons where the pH, dissolved gases, or complex counterions may not be optimal. For example, the most common and ideal conditions for,HER are in acidic electrolyte with a pH near 1, the conditions are dramatically different than the neutral and buffered saline-rich,environment in seawater. Next-generation electrocatalysts in particular need the ability to operate in a variety of pH conditions? r,anging from acidic to neutral to basic? as well as in CO2-rich conditions for specific technologies relevant to carbon capture and u,tilization. Thus, understanding HER in these conditions is important and central to this work.The objectives of this work are to dev,elop a fundamental understanding of how different materials perform in these diverse conditions. Both traditional and emerging elect,rocatalyst materials will be benchmarked and mechanistically characterized. Novel figures of merit will be developed to quantify and, compare energy efficiencies for a single catalyst over this range of conditions. Advanced modeling and simulations will be used to,develop complementary fundamental mechanistic understanding. Finally, ongoing collaborations with Evoqua will be leveraged to invest,igate and enhance the stability of large-area electrocatalysts in industrial-type electrolyzers.The success of the proposed work wil,l result in a new understanding and materials relevant to fuel generation and energy storage that are related to multiple Department, of Defense and Navy-specific capabilities. In principle, such technologies could enable future energy independence, on-site fuel an,d chemical generation at Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), and reduced logistics related to fuel and energy transportation. In additio,n, these technologies provide opportunities for carbon-neutral fuel technologies and processes.Approved for Public Release.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 08, 2022
- Source ID
- N000142212654
Entities
People
- Michael B Ross
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Massachusetts