Bifunctional Metal Aerogels for Unitized Regenerative Fuel Cells

The use of hydrogen as an energy vector is an interesting alternative to face the European energy demand, as it can be obtained by splitting water in an electrolyser and then be transformed into electricity in a fuel cell.

The combination of these two devices to implement a unique and revolutionary technology known as a Unitized Regenerative Fuel Cell (URFC) may transform global energy production, which is of paramount importance, and a priority in the EU program 2021-2027.

Nowadays, electrolyzers and fuel cells use noble metals, which are costly and scarce, and may assume up to 50% of the total cost of a cell. Thus, replacing them is crucial to implement a real hydrogen economy.

The scientific aim of Bifunctional Metal Aerogels for Unitized Regenerative Fuel Cells (MetGel) project is to develop new, innovative and low-cost bifunctional electrocatalysts for the sustainable production of energy.

The societal aim of MetGel is to reduce the technologies that use fossil fuels and decrease their adverse environmental effects.

Dr Rey-Raap proposes the microwave-assisted synthesis of bifunctional transition metal aerogels able to catalyse the four electrochemical reactions that take place in a URFC, being the first time that these materials are synthesised by microwave heating and used as bifunctional electrocatalysts in a URFC.

If microwave-assisted metal aerogels combine the unique properties of metals and aerogels properly, then they will become extraordinary sustainable electrocatalysts.

The research will be carried out in the Microwaves and Carbons Applied to Technology (MCAT) research group (Institute of Carbon Science and Technology (INCAR) from the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)) under the supervision of Prof Arenillas.

MCAT was the pioneer in implementing microwave technology to synthesise 3D-nanostructured materials and has excellent resources and facilities to carry on this research, which are the best conditions for the development of MetGel project.