University of British Columbia

Purpose

Production of ‘green’ hydrogen by water electrolysis integrated with renewable sources of electricity is one of the most promising technology solutions towards achieving decarbonization and Canada’s Net-Zero targets by 2050 as set forth by the Canadian Net-Zero Accountability Act and the International Energy Agency (IEA). It is well-known that the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) anode cost and long-term performance are among the most critical factors limiting the commercialization of advanced low-temperature proton exchange membrane (PEM) and anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolysers. A novel platform of advanced low-cost non-precious metal oxide electrocatalysts and their rigorous comparative testing from half-cells to electrolysers for both PEM and AEM applications are proposed. The novelty of the catalysts proposed, combined with advanced catalyst layer manufacturing methods (e.g., magnetron sputtering) and systematic investigation of both types of water electrolysers is expected to lead to transformative results including new intellectual property, that will advance the cost-effective ‘green’ hydrogen generation in Canada and globally.