Versatile water electrolysis systems based on liquid-to-gas separator-electrode assemblies
Abstract
Mobile generation of hydrogen by electrolysis enables on-demand, scalable production of this high-energy-density fuel wherever water and an energy source, like electricity derived from solar panels, wind or wave power generators, are available. In combination with fuel cells or hydrogen combustion turbines, this provides a versatile means of powering vehicles and machinery, with an opportunity for developing self-sustained, remotely-operated mobile units. Such technologies are of direct relevance to a variety of needs of the Department of Defense, and especially Navy since marine operations provide the most direct access to all major sources of mobilerenewable energy and water. However, a critical limitation of the latter scenario is the incompatibility of regular electrolyzer devices with seawater, which necessitates the introduction of additional purification units and inevitably complicates the system.The focus of the present project is on the development of the technology of small-scale electrolyzers for mobile hydrogen generation from pure water and seawater. Key conceptual distinctions of the devices to be developed compared to the state-of-the-art designs are in the simplicity, availability and durability of the catalytic electrodes and electrolytes. Among other innovations, we will eliminate the need for the use of prohibitively expensive and scarce iridium based catalysts and solid polymer electrolyte membranes traditionally used in the current most effective electrolyzers. These components will be replaced with simple inorganic compounds integrated into thin electrolyte-electrode assemblies, which will be designed to enable the most effective escape of the gaseous hydrogen and oxygen products and avoiding blockage of the active area and transport pathways. Electrolyzers of this type require specific electrode compositions that maintain high durability, which we will specifically develop for the operation under target conditions, including for the generation of hydrogen from seawater. Another important innovative aspect of the project is in the development of rapidand highly scalable methods for the fabrication of the key electrolyzer components using a flame synthesis process. This method provides very simple but highly effective means for fine tuning the texture and composition of the electrode and electrolyte-supportingmaterials that can be sequentially deposited as continuous layers of required thickness and porosity, to produce a final assembly in a roll-to-roll mode.The project will be undertaken at Monash University and the University of Sydney in direct collaboration with Dr Clint Novotny, Science Director of the Office of Naval Research Global in Melbourne, and Dr. Joseph Parker, Code 331 ONR Program officer. The desired outcomes of the research will include publications in top-tier scientific journals, patents and a concept of anelectrolyser device prototype suitable for future scale-up to the level of productivity required for the target application.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 24, 2023
- Source ID
- N629092312051
Entities
People
- Alexandr N Simonov
Organizations
- Monash University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy