AEMWE: Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis

Recently, there has been significant interest in research on anion exchange membrane water electrolysis catalysts (AEMWE). These studies aim to enhance the performance and stability of AEMWE through various methods. The latest research trends primarily involve the introduction of nanotechnology and novel synthesis techniques to improve the catalytic activity and selectivity of AEMWE. Additionally, there is active research focused on optimizing the materials and structure of the catalyst to maximize the performance of AEMWE. One of the key advantages of AEMWE is its safety. This technology generates water as the sole byproduct during the electrolysis process, making it environmentally friendly and ensuring safe hydrogen production. Moreover, AEMWE, with its high selectivity and separation capabilities, is cost-effective and can be manufactured using renewable materials, making it suitable for large-scale applications.

These advantages highlight the potential of AEMWE to play a crucial role in the future of energy production and storage. We anticipate that our research efforts in this field will contribute positively, positioning our laboratory as a leader in this important area of energy technology.

PEMWE: Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis

In light of the emerging hydrogen economy, there is heightened interest in hydrogen production technologies. With this context in mind, Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis (PEMWE) stands out with distinct advantages. PEMWE offers high efficiency and scalability, making it a promising technology for large-scale hydrogen production. Operating at relatively low temperatures and pressures compared to other electrolysis methods, PEMWE reduces energy sources such as solar and wind power. This versatility allows PEMWE to be applied in various fields including energy storage, transportation, industrial processes, and grid balancing.

Given that PEMWE operates in an acidic environment, the use of noble metal catalysts is essential for performance and durability. Therefore, research and development efforts focusing on utilizing noble metals to enhance the performance and durability of PEMWE systems are crucial. Such research endeavors are expected to facilitate the realization of more stable and efficient hydrogen production, thus supporting the successful implementation of the hydrogen economy.

Alkaline Seawater Electrolysis

Green hydrogen is a promising clean and renewable energy source produced through electrolysis using renewable energy sources such as wind or solar power. The process of producing it does not release any greenhouse gases, providing a sustainable option for the future energy demand. Electrolyzed H2 currently represents approximately 4% of the total worldwide H2 output, with a considerable portion of H2 still being derived by steam reforming and coal gasification. Seawater is the most widespread source of molecular hydrogen. Harnessing the ocean's hydrogen resources could lead to creative solutions for future sustainable energy and environmental conservation initiatives

The high concentration of chloride ions in seawater causes several side reactions and obstructs the active site for hydroxide adsorption, leading to poor oxygen evolution reaction performance. The sweater splitting study is now focusing on designing materials that can improve chloride ion blocking and reduce the impact of high chloride concentration in seawater. Developing high-performance catalysts for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) and Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) in alkaline settings is seen as a promising strategy to prevent ClER and achieve a high degree of selectivity for OER.

Over the past few years, researchers have been attempting to alter the structure of the catalyst in such a manner that they can inhibit the adsorption of chlorine onto the surface of the catalyst. There are a variety of approaches that have been developed, such as the creation of a passive layer over the surface of the catalyst, the modification of the local environment of the active sites, the presence of anions on  the surface of the catalyst, and the enhancement of the Lewis acidity of the metal active site. In our lab we utilized different techniques for the sufficient seawater splitting to boost the efficacy of the catalyst for the hydrogen production. 

Hybrid Water Electrolysis

Hybrid water splitting refers to a process where traditional water electrolysis, which generates hydrogen and oxygen through the electrolysis of water, is combined or augmented with additional chemical reactions to enhance its efficiency or produce other valuable products. This approach is aimed at addressing some of the limitations of conventional water electrolysis, such as slow kinetics of certain electrode reactions, high energy consumption, or limited product yield. In a hybrid water splitting system, alternative chemical reactions may be integrated into the process to complement or replace certain steps of electrolysis. These additional reactions could be thermodynamically favorable processes that occur simultaneously with water electrolysis, thereby improving overall energy efficiency and/or expanding the range of products generated.

One common example of hybrid water splitting is the integration of electrochemical oxidation reactions at the anode side with hydrogen evolution reactions at the cathode side. By combining these reactions, the overall efficiency of hydrogen production can be enhanced, and additional valuable products may be obtained simultaneously. In addition to the aforementioned, our laboratory is engaged in the development of such hybrid water splitting catalysts and researching more efficient oxygen generation reactions, along with the production of various organic compounds, to address cost-related aspects. This research aims to further enhance the efficiency and versatility of hybrid water splitting, aligning with the broader goal of advancing sustainable hydrogen production technologies.