The leader of the 2D-Chem research group at the Institute of Molecular Science (ICMol) and distinguished researcher (GenT) of the University of Valencia, has just obtained his second Proof of Concept (PoC), a grant from the European Research Council (ERC) to test the feasibility of the Roll-E project, an initiative for the production of green hydrogen through innovative mass production technologies
Green hydrogen, key to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Europe, accounts for only 4% of global hydrogen production due to the high costs and limited performance of current technologies. The Roll-E project (Self-Supported Electrodes via Roll-to-Roll Manufacturing Using Non-Critical Materials for Green Hydrogen Production), led by Institute of Molecular Science (ICMol) researcher Gonzalo Abellán, addresses these challenges through a promising but still developing technology. It involves creating self-supported, mass-produced anodes for anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE).
"Roll-E's innovative approach focuses on the use of continuous roll-to-roll coating techniques, which allow the production of catalytic layers more efficiently and on a larger scale," explains Abellán. "These technologies not only reduce production costs but also improve the performance of the electrolysers and facilitate their industrial application,", he adds.
From the lab to the market
The project aims to demonstrate an advanced manufacturing concept under real-life conditions, marking a critical step towards turning the innovative results obtained during the ERC Starting Grant into a marketable solution.
In 2018, Abellán received a Starting Grant from the same European organisation for the development of the chemistry of new 2D materials analogous to graphene of interest in electronics or catalysis, a grant that already allowed him to obtain a PoC of 150,000 euros in 2022. The project will now receive a similar amount to carry out new tests related to this work, a final step in the process of knowledge transfer, close to the commercialisation of the product.
"Roll-E's innovative approach focuses on the use of continuous roll-to-roll coating techniques, which allow the production of catalytic layers more efficiently and on a larger scale. These technologies not only reduce production costs but also improve the performance of electrolysers and facilitate their industrial application", Gonzalo Abellán, ICMol researcher
The award of this ERC PoC highlights the importance of the work carried out at ICMol in the transition towards a more sustainable economy, highlighting the impact of basic research in solving global challenges.
A chemist by training and PhD in nanoscience and nanotechnology, Gonzalo Abellán is co-founder and CTO of Matteco, a spin-off of the Universitat de València focused on the development of advanced materials for the production of green hydrogen and decarbonisation.
The award of this Proof of Concept for the ICMol researcher comes in the framework of the second round of 2024 awards, which includes 134 new beneficiaries from twenty European countries.
Source: University of Valencia
Don't miss our podcast Livermore's light bulb with Gonzalo Abellán, ICMol researcher, and Carmen García, IFIC researcher