Entries by hssmi

ADVANCEPEM Project Updates & 12M Consortium Meeting

The fifth meeting of the ADVANCEPEM Consortium took place on February 19th – 20th in Bollate, Italy. Hosted by Syensqo, the event provided a pivotal opportunity for each partner to present updates on their respective Work Packages and strategize the submission of upcoming key technical deliverables, as well as the achievement of project milestones over the next six months. 

Overall, the meeting showcased the commitment and dedication of all involved partners towards advancing the objectives of the ADVANCEPEM project, with confidence in meeting upcoming milestones. Two new significant deliverables were submitted to the EU for approval, aligning closely with project timelines: 

  • D3.1 – Progress report on reinforced membranes, ionomers and radical scavengers (M12) 
  • D4.1 – Electrocatalyst development (M12) 

A highlight of the meeting was the tour of Syensqo’s cutting-edge facilities, providing partners with firsthand insights into the materials development labs for electrolyser and fuel cell applications. This experience further underscored the collaborative spirit of the Consortium and the shared commitment to innovation. 

The next in-person meeting (M18) is set to take place at IRD in Odense, Denmark and will be crucial in preparation of the mid-term review meeting with the Monitoring Officers and Reviewers in Brussels. 

The Consortium extends heartfelt thanks to Syensqo for their hospitality and for hosting the meeting, further exemplifying the collaborative spirit driving progress within the project. 

1 - ADVANCEPEM partners at the Syensqo facilities (Bollate, 19/02/2024)

Below is the summary of deliverables D3.1 and D4.1. 

D3.1 – Progress report on reinforced membranes, ionomers and radical scavengers 

The purpose of this deliverable is to develop a robust Aquivion® based Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) offering a proton conductivity of more than 200 mS/cm (100% RH, at 80°C) with significant fluorine release reduction. This Aquivion® based PEM will also offer a strong mechanical and chemically outstanding stability, able to be operated in an electrolysis cell at 140°C up to 200 bar with low gas crossover (H₂ conc in O₂ <2%vol). 

To achieve these “PEM” challenges, within ADVANCEPEM project we are exploring different strategies to fulfil all the needs, such as: 

  • Assessment of the ionomer: Aquivion® PFSA is offering 40°C higher Tg than long side chain PFSA (i.e., Nafion®) to avoid/mitigate creep at this targeted temperature. 
  • Assessment of the PEM reinforcement technology: We are exploring different neutral materials as PEM reinforcement properties, inspired from early-stage previous projects and solutions already explored in the field of PEM fuel cell. 
  • Assessment of additives: Inspired from PEM fuel cell, we aim to explore the benefit of using a radical scavenger combined with our PEM and see how we can mitigate the fluorine release. 

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This ADVANCEPEM deliverable summarises where we stand related to these different routes mentioned above to improve PEM specifications. 

The final objective is to select the most promising technologies in combinations with Aquivion®, the components will be up scaled to amounts sufficient for the preparation of approximately 2 m² batch reinforced, stabilised Proton Exchange Membrane to feed WP5 (MEAs and Stack Engineering). 

 

D4.1 – Electrocatalyst development 

The purpose of this Deliverable has been to develop enhanced PEM electrolysis catalysts characterised by improved characteristics such as a significant decrease of the noble metal content and an increase of the current density with respect to the state-of-the art. Advanced IrRuOx anode, Pt/C cathode electrocatalysts and PtCo recombination catalyst were developed in the first phase of the ADVANCEPEM project. 

The main strategy for enhancing the properties of the anode catalyst developed has been to improve intrinsic activity and stability by tailoring the surface chemistry, electronic effects and crystallographic orientation. The goal has been to create stable nanostructured solid solutions of Iridium and Ruthenium with a core-shell configuration, featuring Iridium enrichment on the surface and optimised crystallographic orientation. 

Concerning the cathode catalyst, a noble metal-based Pt/C catalyst was developed to improve corrosion resistance in acidic environments and achieve suitable catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution. 

The objective has been to further reduce both anode and cathode catalyst loadings vs. the state-of the art, increase current density up to 5 A cm-2, while maintaining low overpotential characteristics. 

A Pt-Co alloy recombination catalyst was synthesised to achieve effective H2-O2 recombination capability in the gas phase and allow membrane-electrode assembly operation well below the flammability limit. 

Membrane-electrode assemblies based on the new developed electrocatalysts and chemically stabilised short-side-chain proton exchange Aquivion® membrane containing a Ce-based radical scavenger were investigated for operation at high current density with reduced concentration of H2 in O2 and with improved stability in a water electrolysis cell. 

Solvay announces successful Syensqo spin-off

Decided in March 2022, Solvay has successfully completed the spin-off of its Specialty activities to Syensqo in December 2023. Solvay will continue and keep the commodities activities.

“Inspired by the legacy of the Solvay Congresses, which brought together the greatest scientific minds to explore answers to the world’s biggest challenges, at Syensqo we strive to break new ground: addressing the critical needs of today and creating solutions for the future. We’re constantly expanding on what’s seemingly impossible and pushing the limits of what can be realized.

With a diverse global team of more than 13,000 employees in 30 countries, we work together to advance science and help humanity move forward on Specialty activities: Green Hydrogen, Batteries, Specialty Polymers, Composites.”

Regarding the ADVANCEPEM project, Syensqo will continue its work around the development of short-side chain perfluorinated Aquivion® ionomers as well as leading the development of innovative reinforced membrane and radical scavengers for operation at high pressure and temperature.

You can also find here an exciting announcement from Bertrand Piccard unveiling the ambitious project to develop a hydrogen-powered aircraft to fly non-stop around the world with Syensqo as main technological partner.

Figure 1 - Syensqo

Deliverable D2.1 | July 2023

The deliverable D2.1 – Harmonised Test Protocols was successfully submitted in July 2023.

View the full deliverable here.

Figure 1 - Deliverable D2.1 - Harmonised Test Protocols

Newsletter 01 | November 2023

The first ADVANCEPEM newsletter has been published summarising the results of the first months of the project.

 

Read the full newsletter here.

Figure 1 - The first ADVANCEPEM newsletter

Journal publication – CNR-ITAE & Solvay

In September 2023, researchers from CNR-ITAE and Solvay Specialty Polymers published an article on the development of Ce-radical scavenger-based perfluorosulfonic acid Aquivion® membrane for high pressurised PEM electrolysers, shedding light on their findings and contribution towards the ADVANCEPEM project.  

 

Abstract

Ce-radical scavenger-based perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) Aquivion® membrane (C98 05S-RSP) was developed and assessed for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyser applications. The membrane, produced by Solvay Specialty Polymers, had an equivalent weight (EW) of 980 g/eq and a thickness of 50 m to reduce ohmic losses at a high current density. The electrochemical properties and gas crossover through the membrane were evaluated upon the formation of a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) in a range of temperatures between 30 and 90 ˚°C and at various differential pressures (ambient, 10 and 20 bars). Bare extruded (E98 05S) and reinforced (R98 05S) PFSA Aquivion® membranes with similar EWs and thicknesses were assessed for comparison in terms of their performance, stability and hydrogen crossover under the same operating conditions. The method used for the membrane manufacturing significantly influenced the interfacial properties, with the electrodes affecting the polarisation resistance and H2 permeation in the oxygen stream, as well as the degradation rate, as observed in the durability studies.

Figure 1 - Scheme of the experimental setup.

View the article here.

EFC2023 Conference – CNR-ITAE

Abstract

The direct production of highly pressurised hydrogen from electrolytic water splitting can save relevant amounts of energy compared to down-stream gas compression. The aim of ADVANCEPEM is to develop a novel polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyser which can produce hydrogen at very high pressures (200 bar) thus reducing the energy consumption required for post-compression. Very pure and high-pressure electrolytic hydrogen can be directly used in various industrial processes such as ammonia synthesis requiring up to 200-300 bar, hydrogenation of oils and other hydrogenation processes in refineries requiring feed pressures up to 200-250 bar, methanol synthesis requiring 70 bar etc. and for direct injection into the high-pressure gas grid (∼ 80 bar).  

Another key goal is development of a cost-effective technology enabling large-scale application of PEM electrolysers. A significant reduction of capital costs will be achieved by minimising critical raw materials, developing low-cost coated bipolar plates, operation of the electrolyser at a high production rate while maintaining high efficiency (about 80% vs. HHV) and safe operation. ADVANCEPEM aims to develop a set of breakthrough solutions at materials, stack and system levels to increase hydrogen pressure to 200 bar and current density to 5 A/cm2 for the base load, while keeping the nominal energy consumption <50 kWh/kg H2. Reinforced Aquivion® polymer membranes with enhanced conductivity, high glass transition temperature and increased crystallinity, able to withstand high differential pressures, will be developed for this application. This innovative membrane will be operated at high temperature 90-140 °C under high pressure to provide for increased energy efficiency. To mitigate hydrogen permeation to the anode and related safety issues, efficient recombination catalysts will be integrated into both membrane and anode structure.  

The new technology will be validated by demonstrating a high-pressure electrolyser of 50 kW nominal capacity with a production rate of about 24 kg H2/day in an industrial environment. The project will also deliver a techno-economic analysis to assess reduction of the electrolyser CAPEX and OPEX. The consortium comprises an electrolyser manufacturer, membrane and catalyst supplier, a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) developer and an end-user for demonstrating the system. 

Figure 1 - Stefania Siracusano, researcher at CNR-ITAE, presenting the ADVANCEPEM project at the EFC23 Conference in Capri (Italy).

ADVANCEPEM Project Updates & 6M Consortium Meeting

The third meeting of the ADVANCEPEM Consortium took place on the 5th of September 2023 in Messina Italy.

It was hosted by CNR-ITAE and was a great opportunity for each partner to present an update on their respective Work Packages and to plan submission of upcoming key technical deliverables and delivery of project milestones over the next six months. Overall, the partners were very happy with the progress so far and were confident the next milestones will be delivered on time.

The past six months of the project have been very productive with the following six deliverables submitted to the EU for approval according to the project timelines:

  • 1 Project Management Plan (M2)
  • 1 Design for validating 50kW, 200 bar electrolyser at Niederaussem (M2)
  • 1 Project Website and Identity (M3)
  • 1 Harmonised test protocols (M6)
  • 2 Data Management Plan (M6)
  • 3 First Dissemination and Exploitation Plan (M6)

The partners agreed to continue scheduling alternating online and in-person Consortium meetings every three months, with the next meeting (M9) being held online, and the one-year (M12) meeting taking place at Solvay in Bollate, Italy.

Below is the summary of deliverables D7.1 and D2.1.

D7.1 – Design for validating 50 kW, 200 bar electrolyser at Niederaussem

The Deliverable 7.1 is a technical document that defines the most important technical, health, safety and environmental standards, technical parameters and boundary conditions the partners Oort Energy, HSSMI and RWEP shall adhere to and need to consider, for their activities on the industrial demonstrations site, especially regarding the installation, commissioning and testing of new developed technology. The document is a prerequisite for the engineering of the 50 kW and 200 bar PEM electrolyser and provides the first data, process sketches and input and outlet steams to inform the permitting authorities.

 

D2.1 – Harmonised test protocols

The deliverable establishes a benchmark for electrolyser components against which development progress can be assessed in terms of durability, performance and cost. Harmonised terminology, procedures and characterisation protocols developed in previous FCH JU/ CLEAN HYDROGEN JU projects are implemented for high pressure and high temperature PEM electrolyser systems. Ex situ and in situ characterisation of membranes, catalysts, electrodes, and MEA assessment in single cell testing is addressed. Protocols to assess stack and system durability, dynamic behaviour and degradation in steady-state and accelerated stress tests are implemented. A protocol for stack failure analysis and procedures relating to safety issues and response plan as well as to the procedures for validation of quantitative project targets is established. Testing procedures for single cells, stacks and electrolysis systems under standard operating conditions are established in accordance with the Harmonised Testing Procedures by the European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC). The collaboration with JRC addresses a further development of test protocols and procedures for performance and durability assessment of electrolysers operating at high pressure and temperatures. The project will provide information to JRC on safety aspects for advanced high temperature, high pressure electrolyser technology. Safety-related events that may occur during the execution of this project will be reported to JRC who manage the European hydrogen safety reference database, HIAD.

Figure 1 - ADVANCEPEM partners at the CNR-ITAE laboratories (Messina, 05/09/2023)