Engineering ChalcoPOM-based composites as Hydrogen evolution catalysts in PEM electrolysis cells – ELOPOM-H2

The technology of proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis retains significant potential in converting intermittent energy sources into high-purity hydrogen, eliminating the need for additional purification steps. Nevertheless, the high cost of this technology remains a challenge due to the use of precious metals as catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Additionally, the scarcity and cost of these precious metals, along with concerns about their safety and sensitivity to water contaminants like organic, ionic, or metallic substances, create significant obstacles to the widespread industrial adoption of PEM electrolysis. The ELOPOM-H2 project will tackle these issues by developing and incorporating innovative industrial catalysts into semi-pilot PEM electrolysis devices. These catalysts are based on abundant elements such as W, Mo and S. Building upon the research findings of the consortium, the ELOPOM-H2 project introduces a unique molecular approach to designing HER catalysts with the aim of achieving performance levels close to traditional Pt/C catalysts. This approach revolves around controlling the polymerization of polyoxotungstate ions in the presence of cationic thiomolybdic-type cluster {Mo3S4}. These catalytic inorganic polymers, when combined with carbon support, exhibit exceptional HER performance in terms of both activity and stability (TRL3). Therefore, the ELOPOM-H2 program concentrates on addressing fundamental aspects of this technology, including: i) investigating the physical chemistry of inorganic polymers growth, with a focus on their composition, charge density, and doping, ii) examining their integration with carbon nanomaterials, iii) conducting a comprehensive characterization using advanced in-situ techniques such as local electrochemistry and iv) testing large surface area electrodes and pre-industrial qualification with regards to measuring HER performance in PEM electrolysis cells (TRL5).