The University of British Columbia

Purpose

The project seeks to improve the anode compartment of an electrolyser where the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) occurs. Objectives are increased electrolysis performance (lower energy requirement, higher efficiency and chemical output) in this compartment in order to reduce the cost of the chemicals produced. To achieve, particular focus will be on the development of critical components (anodes, membranes) of advanced electrolysis used in the chemical production, energy, and water treatment sectors. Specific developments include new lower cost catalysts and novel deposition methods of these catalysts on membranes. Performance of these new materials will be assessed by focusing on the electrochemical production of two industrially important chemicals, hydrogen and ammonia. The synthesis of these chemicals will be used as the model reactions throughout this project to assess improved performance. Producing hydrogen and ammonia via higher performance electrolysis at a lower cost will promote commercial uptake of electrolysis technologies. Use of electrolysis derived hydrogen and ammonia by the fossil fuel and fertilizer industries respectively can contribute to meeting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction in Canada.