Deep decarbonization in the energy sector is arguably the world's most pressing challenge. As emphasized by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine 2021 report “Accelerating Decarbonization of the U.S. Energy System,” the clean production of H2 from water and the efficient utilization of H2 are at the core of establishing a net zero carbon energy future. To enable the widespread use of H2 generated from solar energy, the cost of H2 production using water electrolyzers needs to be reduced to $1 per 1 kg in 1 decade, as outlined by the Department of Energy (DOE) Basic Energy Science (BES) Roundtable Report on Foundational Science for Carbon-Neutral Hydrogen Technologies 2022.
This project will develop the next-generation electrochemical reactor devices that enable efficient and cost-effective production of clean H2 fuel through water splitting. Central to advanced water electrolyzers with high H2 output is the development of cost-effective electrocatalyst that has substantially improved activity and durability based on earth abundant elements and can be incorporated into high performance electrodes in reactors. This project leverages expertise in electrocatalysis, 3D printing, and materials engineering to address this grand challenge. Concurrent TEA/LCA will be conducted to contextualize and benchmark how technical improvements influence overall system performance. This research is expected to impact the current chemical, fuel, materials and energy industries by demonstrating a new strategy to design and manufacture next-generation electrochemical reactors.