Institute of Materials Research
Topic
PEM electrolyzer with new catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction
PhD. program
Progressive materials
Year of admission
2024
Name of the supervisor
RNDr. Magdaléna Strečková, PhD.
Contact:
Receiving school
Prírodovedecká fakulta UPJŠ
Annotation
Proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers, using only renewable energy and water, are a promising tool for green hydrogen production. The production process call electrolysis and it includes two half-reactions of water decomposition: reduction of hydrogen and oxidation of oxygen. A PEM electrolyzer can quickly respond to fluctuations typical of renewable energy production, making this technology ideal for balancing the grid and energy deficits. In order for the PEM electrolysis of water to become capable of competition to fossil fuel and produce hydrogen as the fuel of the future, it is necessary to make its individual components cheaper. Catalysts in PEM electrolysis are represented by platinum metals, which represent a limitation in terms of price and scarcity. Therefore, the dissertation will be focused on the preparation of cheap electrocatalysts based on chalcogenides and phosphides, which can be directly placed in PEM electrolyzers. The effectiveness and efficiency of the newly assembled PEM customs will be monitored.
Goal: Preparation of a PEM cell with electrocatalysts based on chalcogenides and phosphides for efficient production of hydrogen as the fuel of the future.
Goal: Preparation of a PEM cell with electrocatalysts based on chalcogenides and phosphides for efficient production of hydrogen as the fuel of the future.