RGU team claims steam electrolysis breakthrough

Working alongside the University of Surrey, the RGU team designed, fabricated and tested electrodes used in SOSE for waste steam generated from nuclear power plants. SOSE systems operate between 600 °C and 900 °C, requiring the associated cathode, electrolyte and anode layers to be manufactured with thermal spray and dip coating techniques. According to the researchers, the resulting tubular electrolyser cell delivered a higher hydrogen production rate compared to existing cells.

“Developing electrolyser cells with enhanced hydrogen production and their scalable manufacturing can play an important role in enabling not only eco-friendly development but also cost-effective, reliable, and sustainable opportunities,” said research lead Professor Nadimul Faisal, from RGU’s School of Engineering.

“This project has the potential to advance technology to produce green hydrogen and thus we will exploit the outcomes and commercialise the product.”

According to the team, more research is needed to develop improved manufacturing techniques to prevent cracking while the system is used at high temperatures. Upscaling and life cycle assessment (LCA) are also required as next steps on the path to commercialisation.

“Solid oxide electrolyser technology is set to play a key role in UK’s energy goals,” said Dr Anil Prathuru, lecturer at the RGU School of Engineering.  

“Scalable manufacturing is a potential issue. This project gave us the opportunity to try some unique ideas towards enhancing the operational efficiency and demonstrate a highly scalable method of electrolyser manufacture.”

RGU’s Professor Mamdud Hossain, added: “This EPSRC funded project gave us an opportunity for building something from scratch through fundamental research. We have shown our technology works and provide a better performance compared to existing design. We are seeking further partners to take the technology near to market.”