Novel modular and eco-designed PEM electrolyser integrated with solar energy for green hydrogen production

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By 2050, the UK government is required to reduce the country's net emissions of greenhouse gases by 100% relative to 1990 levels. Hydrogen offers a path to a carbon-neutral or even a carbon-free society in both the short and long term. The net-zero targets and policy incentives encourage investment in green hydrogen production, especially in the research and development of water electrolysis methods integrated with renewable solar energy. The electrolyser's cost and durability remain the significant barriers to commercialization. Easily replaceable standardized modular proton-exchange-membrane (PEM) electrolyser, with a smaller scale, allows the system to be flexible, robust, and universally applicable. It provides a feasible solution for cost reduction and prolongs the electrolyser lifetime even when powered by intermittent solar energy. This project aims to develop an optimized modular and eco-friendly PEM electrolyser with higher energy efficiency and a longer lifetime. The electrolyser modules are integrated with solar photovoltaic for accelerating worldwide carbon-saving. The candidate will investigate and develop a novel recyclable material for membrane electrode assembly (MEA) with advanced physical and electrochemical characterisation tools. This project will need molecular/electronic/systematic modelling to investigate the mechanism of the water-splitting reactions, their relationship with the cell components, degradation mechanisms, and raise performance level. An experimental study of a small lab-scale prototype will be conducted for validating the module's heat and mass transfer behaviour, stability, and durability. Potential benefits for solar-powered electrolysis, like cost reduction, enhance durability, and environmental impact will be evaluated through techno-economic-environmental study.