Periodic Reporting for period 1 - PRODUCE-H2 (PROtotype Demonstration Using low-cost Catalysts for Electrolysis to H2)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2019-05-01 al 2020-10-31
Molybdenum sulphide has been shown to be a promising, precious metal-free catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). A former EU-funded project, PhotocatH2ode, discovered that amorphous molybdenum sulphide has a coordination polymer structure . This refined the understanding of its catalytic mechanism enabled the development of strategies to remedy reductive corrosion issues that have so far limited the implementation of this earth-abundant catalyst for HER in PEM electrolysers.
The PRODUCE-H2 project was established to optimise the composition and formulation of catalysts of the same amorphous molybdenum sulphide family. Inspired by the iron-containing nitrogenase (a H2 evolving enzyme that exists in nature) active site, ,a high performanceamorphous bimetallic iron-molybdenum sulphide catalyst has been developed and characterized. This amorphous material is produced from low-cost precursors using microwave synthesis, a method allowing for easily scalable production. This material was further formulated with proton-conducting ionomer and a nanocarbon support material, in and integrated in membrane-electrode assemblies (MEA).
The performance of the MEAs based on the earth-abundant H2-evolution material was then assessed in PEM electrolyzer. Current densities as high as 1 A/cm2 could be obtained at 80°C at the expense of 283 mV additional electrical potential compared to the benchmark platinum (Pt) catalysts – a record for non-precious metal HER catalysts. In situ accelerated stress tests revealed a very good stability (comparable to benchmark Pt) during operation. Technoeconomic and lifecycle assessment indicated a 94% lower manufacturing cost and a 2 orders of magnitude lower impact on the environment compared to platinum (on a gram-gram basis), making this a promising catalyst for future development.