Foam-based Polymer Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) System for Green HR Generation

Water electrolysis is one of the most effective methods to produce green H2 with zero carbon emission. However, in conventional electrolysers, generation of H2 and O2 nanobubbles strongly adsorbed on the electrodes hamper mass transfer and increase the overpotential, resulting in low energy conversion efficiency and poor durability.

This research programme will investigate new water electrolysers implementing particle-stabilized gas-liquid foams. Surface-active and water-dispersible particles will be designed as gas carriers to promote mass transfer and reduce the overpotential by selective foaming, thus discouraging the formation of adsorbed nanobubbles on electrodes, and enhancing the stability and reaction activity.

This work will be carried out in the highly collaborative scientific environment offered by the Cardiff Catalysis Institute Cardiff Catalysis Institute - Cardiff University and HydroStar, Home | Hydrostar Europe (hydrostar-eu.com) bringing together expertise in Physical Chemistry, Electrochemistry and Chemical Engineering. Therefore, this studentship brings an excellent opportunity to develop a strong research portfolio in an interdisciplinary background.

The student will be part of a diverse cohort of students, and will receive training in research methods, safety, time management, writing reports and scientific publications, and intellectual property. The student will regularly participate in internal seminars/workshops to gain self-confidence and sense of teamwork, improve the communication skills and develop networks. They will be encouraged to present the research results at international meetings and participate in outreach events