Hydrogen Production & Fuel Cell Technology

One of the key challenges facing hydrogen technology is the cost of production. Hydrogen is currently produced primarily from fossil fuels, which releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. However, researchers are developing new methods for producing hydrogen from renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. Another challenge facing hydrogen technology is the development of safe and efficient storage methods. As Hydrogen is a low density gas, it takes large amounts of energy to compress it for storage. Researchers are developing new materials that can store hydrogen more efficiently and safely.

Despite these challenges, hydrogen technology has the potential to play a major role in our future energy mix. Research is focused on developing new and more efficient ways to produce, store, and use hydrogen, as well as developing new applications including fuel cells and hydrogen-powered vehicles. This includes research on:

Materials development: Improving the performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness of fuel cell materials is essential for their widespread commercialization. Researchers are developing new materials for electrodes, electrolytes, and other components, as well as new methods for manufacturing and assembling fuel cells.
System design and integration: Fuel cells need to be integrated with other components, such as hydrogen storage systems and power converters, to create complete and efficient systems. Researchers are developing new system designs and control strategies to optimize the performance of fuel cell systems for a variety of applications.
Fuel cell applications: Fuel cells can be used in a wide range of applications, including transportation, power generation, and energy storage. Researchers are developing new fuel cell systems for specific applications, such as electric vehicles, buses, trucks, ships, and stationary power plants.

‍

Hydrogen technology research is a complex and challenging field but, driven by the need to decarbonise the energy sector and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it has the potential to revolutionise the way we produce and consume energy. By developing new and more efficient ways to produce, store, and use hydrogen, researchers are paving the way for a more sustainable future.

PI-KEM is playing an important role in the development of hydrogen fuel cell technology by providing researchers and developers with the materials and equipment they need to create new and innovative fuel cells. Our cross-discipline Business Development Team are well placed to provide advice and guidance whether customers are looking to synthesise their own electrode materials, print electrodes or construct novel fuel cell designs.

Research Focus
- Production: Researchers are developing new methods for producing hydrogen from renewable energy sources and have developed new catalysts that can produce hydrogen from water more efficiently and at lower cost. This will help to make hydrogen a more sustainable and carbon-free energy source. High-temperature electrolysis is more efficient than traditional electrolysis technologies and can be used to produce hydrogen from renewable energy sources. University of Sheffield researchers are working with industry to produce new hydrogen fuels for the aviation sector utilising a hydrogen electrolyser
Click here to read more
- Hydrogen fuel cells: Devices that convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity. Researchers are developing new fuel cell technologies that are more efficient, durable, and less expensive than existing fuel cells and far less polluting than traditional internal combustion engines. The research into fuel cells is diverse as shown by these examples:
- The Hydrogen Materials Group at The University of Birmingham are investigating the development of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) power systems
Click here to read more
- The Institut Carnot, Energies du Future (France) research is looking at fuel cells and how energy losses can be minimised.
Click here to read more
- TUM Electrochemistry department research is developing new catalysts based on platinum group metals to stabilise the fuel cell reactions and improve efficiency in fuel cells.
Click here to read more