Date of activities/results:
Sep/Nov 2020
Research: Experiments to compare the performance of different anodes and cathodes and different processing and operation conditions
Result: CNR-ITAE have conducted experiments to measure the relation between current density and cell potential to optimise the combination of anodes and cathodes. The results identified the optimal anodic flow and that the combination of a nickel cathode and an iron anode provide the best results. The experiments will be continued to test the durability and performance of the anodes and cathodes over a range of temperatures.
Impact: Optimising the combination of anodes and cathodes for the system is a key task in the development of the ANIONE technology. The optimisation of the anode-cathode chemistry will contribute to the development of the new water electrolyse system.
View the video on Synthesis of catalyst here!
Test and development of ANIONE anodes and cathodes at CNR-ITAE
The ANIONE project is managed and technically coordinated by the CNR-ITAE. In addition, the CNR-ITAE leads the project activities concerning the specification, harmonisation, life cycle, and cost analysis in synergy with the measures adopted by the European Commission. We asked Dr Sabrina Zigani, Researcher at CNR-ITAE, for some more insight into the work that she and her colleagues carry out in the ANIONE project.
“The CNR- ITAE is involved in research activities concerning the polymer functionalisation and in the development of anode catalysts and in assessing materials for the minimization of gas crossover through the membrane” Sabrina explains. In addition, the CNR-ITAE is involved in the validation of new components in membrane- electrode assemblies developed in the framework of the ANIONE project.
Dr Sabrina Zignani working on catalysts lifetime testing in the CNR-ITAE lab
More than 40 years’ experience
“CNR-ITAE has more than 40 years’ experience in the field of electrochemical and energy conversion devices including electrolysers, fuel cells, batteries, and renewable energy sources”. This is according to Sabrina the reason why CNR-ITAE is ideal for the research that is carried out in ANIONE. “The research activity of CNR-ITAE is based on a mixture of basic and applied research, carried out through a multidisciplinary approach, and is strongly addressed to the partnerships with industries.” This combination of basic and applied research will help maximise the impact of the ANIONE results.
A step-change in energy storage technology
According to Sabrina, the technology developed in ANIONE is going to bring a step-change in the technologies for energy storage. “The ANIONE project aims to develop an innovative high-performance electrolyser for the conversion of power-to-fuel as energy storage device” she says and continues: “Keeping in mind the needs for the storage of electricity produced from the renewables, ANIONE combines the current load flexibility of a low temperature electrolyser, the cost-effective characteristic of an alkaline electrolyser and the compactness and simplicity of a stack based on solid-state cells”.