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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number EP/W03395X/1
Title Design, Program, Evolve: Engineering efficient electrochemical devices for a net-zero world
Status Started
Energy Categories Hydrogen and Fuel Cells(Fuel Cells) 100%;
Research Types Basic and strategic applied research 100%
Science and Technology Fields PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Chemistry) 50%;
PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Metallurgy and Materials) 25%;
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering) 25%;
UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation Not Cross-cutting 100%
Principal Investigator Dr S Holmes
No email address given
Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science
University of Manchester
Award Type Standard
Funding Source EPSRC
Start Date 01 November 2022
End Date 31 October 2026
Duration 48 months
Total Grant Value £1,987,344
Industrial Sectors Energy
Region North West
Programme Energy : Energy
 
Investigators Principal Investigator Dr S Holmes , Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science, University of Manchester (99.992%)
  Other Investigator Professor P Martin , Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science, University of Manchester (0.001%)
Miss M Perez-Page , Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science, University of Manchester (0.001%)
Professor IS (Ian ) Metcalfe , School of Chemical Engineering & Advanced Materials, Newcastle University (0.001%)
Dr SJ Haigh , Materials, University of Manchester (0.001%)
Dr D Brett , Chemical Engineering, University College London (0.001%)
Dr P Shearing , Chemical Engineering, University College London (0.001%)
Dr T Miller , Chemical Engineering, University College London (0.001%)
Dr GA Mutch , Sch of Engineering, Newcastle University (0.001%)
  Industrial Collaborator Project Contact , Renishaw PLC (Old Town) (0.000%)
Project Contact , Johnson Matthey plc (0.000%)
Project Contact , BP International Ltd (0.000%)
Project Contact , Bramble Energy (0.000%)
Project Contact , TESCAN UK (0.000%)
Web Site
Objectives
Abstract Electro-chemical devices (fuel cells, electrolysers etc) are at the forefront of the drive to a 'net-zero world' with hydrogen as an important energy storage medium and fuel for the application of sustainably derived electricity. Even with the projected development of the energy system towards a largely fossil-fuel free system, CO2 separation will continue to be required for chemical processes. The work proposed builds on the collaboration between the Universities on Manchester, Newcastle and UCL which has flourished over the past five years, to develop more efficient and robust technologies to achieve a carbon negative industrial landscape.The ability to operate fuel cells at higher temperatures without humidification means that the amount of equipment needed and hence cost is reduced. It also means that potentially cheaper catalysts can be used, and the purity of the fuel does not need to be rigorously controlled, all of which leads to cheaper and more efficient systems. The overlap between fuel cells and electrolysers is very significant as an electrolyser is simply a fuel cell in reverse; as such similar problems are manifest. In addition, an exciting electrochemical process for gas separation (CO2 removal) is under development, again with significant overlap in terms of developmental challenges.This proposal builds a team of researchers with complimentary skills to tackle the challenges highlighted. The synergies between the very high-level characterisation expertise to examine the processes taking place in the systems, coupled with the electro-chemical developments which are on-going, mean that development and optimisation can take place quickly with understanding being shared to tackle the overlapping nature of the obstacles to implementation of these vital technologies.
Publications (none)
Final Report (none)
Added to Database 14/07/22