MetGel · Bifunctional Metal Aerogels for Unitized Regenerative Fuel Cells
Horizon Europe — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Duration
- 2022-09-01 → 2024-08-31
- EU contribution
- €165,313
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Bifunctional Metal Aerogels for Unitized Regenerative Fuel Cells
The utilization of affordable and sustainable sources of energy has been a major worldwide concern, which has led to the implementation of several renewable energy systems in many developed countries. However, such systems are not enough to face the energy demand, and more advanced technologies are required. In this context, the use of hydrogen is postulated as an indispensable alternative to face the European energy demand. Hydrogen can be obtained by splitting water in an electrolyzer and then be transformed into electricity in a fuel cell. The combination of these two devices to implement a unique technology known as a Unitized Regenerative Fuel Cell (URFC) may transform the global energy production systems. In a URFC, the transformation of hydrogen into energy takes place through catalyzed electrochemical reactions. The most efficient electrocatalyst to date is based on noble metals, which are costly and scarce and may assume up to 50% of the total cost of a cell. Thus, replacing noble metals with materials with lower cost, broader availability, and efficient electroactivity is crucial to implementing a real hydrogen economy. Therefore, the main objective of the MetGel project is to develop new, innovative, and low-cost bifunctional electrocatalysts able to replace commercial electrocatalysts based on noble metals
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
The use of hydrogen as an energy vector is an interesting alternative to face the European energy demand, as it can be obtained by splitting water in an electrolyser and then be transformed into electricity in a fuel cell. The combination of these two devices to implement a unique and revolutionary technology known as a Unitized Regenerative Fuel Cell (URFC) may transform global energy production, which is of paramount importance, and a priority in the EU program 2021-2027. Nowadays, electrolyzers and fuel cells use noble metals, which are costly and scarce, and may assume up to 50% of the total cost of a cell. Thus, replacing them is crucial to implement a real hydrogen economy. The scientific aim of Bifunctional Metal Aerogels for Unitized Regenerative Fuel Cells (MetGel) project is to develop new, innovative and low-cost bifunctional electrocatalysts for the sustainable production of energy. The societal aim of MetGel is to reduce the technologies that use fossil fuels and decrease their adverse environmental effects. Dr Rey-Raap proposes the microwave-assisted synthesis of bifunctional transition metal aerogels able to catalyse the four electrochemical reactions that take place in a URFC, being the first time that these materials are synthesised by microwave heating and used as bifunctional electrocatalysts in a URFC. If microwave-assisted metal aerogels combine the unique properties of metals and aerogels properly, then they will become extraordinary sustainable electrocatalysts. The research will be carried out in the Microwaves and Carbons Applied to Technology (MCAT) research group (Institute of Carbon Science and Technology (INCAR) from the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)) under the supervision of Prof Arenillas. MCAT was the pioneer in implementing microwave technology to synthesise 3D-nanostructured materials and has excellent resources and facilities to carry on this research, which are the best conditions for the development of MetGel project.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS · MadridCoordinatorSpain
Links
- View on CORDIS
- DOI: 10.3030/101059852
- https://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/documents/downloadPublic?documentIds=080166e5f817be83&appId=PPGMS
Data: CORDIS, © European Union