CIDETEC Surface Engineering drives innovation in durable and efficient electrocatalysts without PGMs, improving seawater electrolysis (Autor: Aiora Madariaga Bilbao)
SWEETHY is a 4-year project, co-funded by the European Union, which aims to develop an innovative electrolysis cell capable of producing 20 g h-1 of hydrogen directly from seawater.
The project addresses the challenge of processing impure water by harnessing innovative AEMWE (anion exchange membrane water electrolyser) technology and developing new, more durable and cost-effective materials capable of withstanding highly corrosive saline conditions. The developed electrolysis cell will ultimately guarantee more than 2000 hours of operation with a degradation rate of 1% per 100 hours.
The sustainability and circularity of the SWEETHY project’s electrolysis platform is ensured through symbiotic solutions developed in collaboration with external industrial partners, which allow for efficient reuse of process by-products (such as brine, other seawater salts, and generated heat). This approach will facilitate hydrogen production in remote and distributed locations, using seawater and decentralised renewable energy sources.
Within the project, CIDETEC Surface Engineering will contribute its extensive experience in the development of platinum group metal (PGM)-free electrocatalysts for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions. It will play a key role in the selection of suitable materials for the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and the validation of system performance through single-cell testing. In addition, CIDETEC will play a key role in electrochemical analysis, evaluating the behaviour of anti-corrosion coatings and their impact on the durability of the electrolyser under high salinity conditions. Its participation will drive advances in the efficiency and sustainability of AEMWE technology, reinforcing the development of innovative solutions for hydrogen production from seawater.
The project, co-funded by the European Union, brings together nine organisations (two research centres, four technology centres, and three SMEs) from seven European countries: Sweden, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Norway, and the Netherlands.
