Designing Robust Electrocatalysts for Fuel Generation by Integrating Structural Design with Electronic Tuning
Abstract
Project AbstractApproved for Public ReleaseThis project seeks to develop and design materials relevant to generating fuels using electrical energy, with a specific focus on hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and a secondary focus on relevance to CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). Both civilian and Navy technologies require the ability to quickly deploy, create, and consume fuels to generate, transport, and use energy transport. This is particularly impactful when done using electrical energy and renewable feedstocks, providing environmental, supply-chain, and energy resilience benefits.The specific focus of this project is to understand how the composition, supporting structure, and electronic properties of electrocatalyst materials can be rationally designed to confer both robust performance and long-term stable operation. It builds on a prior ONR-supported project that that discovered electrocatalysts compositions that are effective in a variety of pH environments; these are disclosed in multiple peer-reviewed publications and Patent Cooperation treaty (PCT). This project is distinct in its primary focus on taking insights from prior work and translating them to scalableand durable HER alloys. While efficiency and performance have traditionally been a focus of the HER electrocatalysis field, rational strategies that enable the ability to design for durability in diverse conditions has remained a challenge.There are three primaryobjectives of this work with the overarching goal of understanding how to leverage the unique properties of high entropy alloy (HEA) nanoparticles to create ultrastable electrocatalysts. The first objective focuses on tuning the composition of 5-element HEA alloys to manipulate the electronic structure, reduce noble metal usage, and understand compositional impacts on stability. The second objective focuses on using two-dimensional support materials to tunably control the electronic properties and quantify the impact on HER stability and performance. The third objective integrates these strategies with a specific focus on amplifying stability in larger area formats and electrolyzers. This last objective will leverage ongoing collaboration and discussion with Xylem and Naval Research Laboratory scientists.The proposed work would result in new materials and strategies for generating fuel and demand and storing energy, with broad impacts across most civilian sectors, the Department of Defense, and specific Naval capabilities. Specifically, stable and deployable energy from renewable and abundant resources could simplify logistical demands for Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), reduce logistical challenges related to fuel transportation, and increase the resiliency of local grids and energy systems. In addition, these technologies provide opportunities in both DoD and civilian applications for carbon-neutral and carbon-negative processes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Dec 14, 2024
- Source ID
- N000142512038
Entities
People
- Michael B Ross
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Massachusetts