The goal of this project is to create a novel electrocatalyst which is selective to the production of sustainable fuels from steam and captured carbon dioxide.
- Research area: Hydrogen production
- Institution: Cranfield University
- Supervisor: Dr Mingming Zhu
- PhD student: Jubil Thomas
- Conducted in collaboration with EDF Energy UK
Project summary
Proton conducting solid oxide electrolysis cells (H-SOECs) are promising for hydrogen production, renewable energy storage, and CO2 mitigation. Co-electrolysis of CO2 and H2O in SOECs produces syngas, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide, which are precursors for sustainable fuels. However, high overpotential is needed for effective reactions.
This project aims to develop efficient and cost-effective electrocatalysts to improve reaction kinetics on SOEC electrodes during H2O and H2O/CO2 electrolysis. By combining experimental and theoretical approaches, the project will establish the relationship between electrode structures and performance, identifying factors that govern electrode reactions.
Meet the researcher
Hi, I’m Jubil. I joined EnerHy CDT after completing my undergraduate in Chemical Engineering. Along the way, I gained hands-on experience through various paid internships. During a year-long industrial internship at Zeroavia, I was involved in the R&D of high-temperature PEM FC systems for the aviation industry. Additionally, I completed a 6-month academic internship at BIERG, where I focused on the elemental analysis of treated biomass samples.
In collaboration with EDF Energy UK, my industrial sponsors, we hope to develop a robust and novel electrocatalyst for proton conducting solid oxide electrolysers, which is selective to producing sustainable aviation fuel.
I am enjoying being part of the EnerHy CDT. It’s great being part of a multi-disciplinary cohort and exploring all sorts of different sustainable research. The taught modules are incredibly engaging and informative.
Jubil was selected to present his research on Electrocatalyst development for sustainable aviation fuel production at the Prospects on Protonic Ceramic Cells (PPCC) conference, organised by the International Society for Protonic Ceramic Cells in Nîmes.
Read the news announcement to find out more.