Improving the performance of an electrolyzer prototype used to generate hydrogen gas from sea water

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Global efforts are being undertaken to tackle climate change caused by global warming due to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Canada has set ambitious goals of reducing GHG emissions to net-zero by 2050. To achieve this, fossil fuels must be replaced by non-GHG producing fuels, such as green hydrogen (H2). Currently, about 96% of H2 is produced from methane and other fossil fuels by reforming or gasification processes, resulting in high carbon intensity. Hence, other technologies, such as water and steam electrolysis capable of producing low carbon intensity H2 at large scale should be rapidly developed to meet the increased H2 demand in the coming decades. Current proton exchange membrane and alkaline electrolysis technologies require high purity water as the input. However, due to limited clean water sources, electrolysis technologies that product H2 from non-potable and sea water must be developed. To address these issues, Evolve Hydrogen Inc (EHI) is currently developing a versatile, compact, small-scale electrolyzer based on low manufacturing cost materials and construction methods, which can operate on salt-containing water supplies. Although working prototypes have been developed using a unique, low-cost polymer moulding technology, the EHI electrolyzer performance, efficiency, and durability still requires enhancement through focussed research. This will involve altering the composition of the anode and cathode through the use of additives to the polymer precursor, as well as surface doping methods. By taking advantage of the catalyst development and electrochemical expertise of the Birss group, and the injection molding expertise of Qualicase Ltd and Fidelity Machine and Mould Solutions, the performance of an electrolyzer prototype used to generate H2 from seawater will be significantly improved. By these means, the subsidiary, Evolve Hydrogen Canada (EHC), is targeting to produce 100,000s of units in Canada for domestic and export purposes. Developing such a market-ready electrolyzer by Calgary-based companies will complement Canada's role as a world leader in producing and handling energy resources, while at the same time accelerating the diversification of its energy sector through equitable job creation.