Executive Summary : | Objective: Catalyst
a) To enhance the electrocatalytic activity of existing or conventional catalysts for Oxygen evolution Reaction (OER) and Hydrogen evolution Reaction (HER).
b) To develop low cost non- noble metal catalysts for OER and HER
c) To develop experimental procedure to synthesize catalysts directly (in-situ) on the electrolyte membrane to reduce the electrode-electrolyte interfacial resistance.
Electrolyte
a) Synthesis of novel aromatic based polymer backbones from aromatic
monomers and functionalization of the aromatic polymers to create cation, anion exchange groups
b) Fabrication of cation, anion exchange membranes using the synthesized polymers
c) Design and development of ceramic ionic conductor with long-term stability
d) Evaluation of the membranes intrinsic properties such as ionic conductivity, ion-exchange capacity, water uptake, etc
Electrolysis routes
a) Hydrogen production by sea water electrolysis
b) Hydrogen generation by chemical-cum- electrochemical method using tap water / RO reject water Summary: Current challenges on energy and environment demand new strategies for providing environment friendly and sustainable energy sources instead of fossil fuel. Though fossil fuels will remain the most vital energy source and the supply is adequate now, once fossil fuel sources become fatally exhausted, alternative means of energy sources need to be made available and solar energy provides many attractive features. While hydrogen can be produced by several methods, water splitting is the most promising and clean mode of producing hydrogen as fuel, since renewable energy (Solar, Wind, Geothermal etc.) can be utilized. |