RSW007 - Accelerating the discovery of lower-cost catalysts for green hydrogen production

The oxygen evolution reaction is the major efficiency bottleneck in water electrolysers used for green hydrogen production. Ruthenium-based catalysts offer exceptional activity and are more abundant and lower-cost than current iridium-based catalysts, however their poor long-term stability has limited widespread adoption. This project will investigate how alloying can improve the stability of Ru-based catalysts while maintaining their high activity under application-relevant current densities. Automated synthesis of compositionally controlled nanoparticle libraries will be combined with high-throughput electrochemical screening using floating electrode methods and advanced operando optical spectroscopy. By correlating catalyst composition, electrochemical performance and the chemical state of the catalyst during operation, we aim to reveal how alloying modifies the active species and reaction pathways responsible for oxygen evolution. This mechanistic understanding will establish design principles for the rational development of next-generation electrocatalysts for sustainable hydrogen production.

Any questions concerning the project can be addressed to Prof Robert Weatherup (robert.weatherup@materials.ox.ac.uk).

General enquiries on how to apply can be made by e mail to graduate.studies@materials.ox.ac.uk.  You must complete the standard Oxford University Application for Graduate Studies.  Further information and an electronic copy of the application form can be found at https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/applying-to-oxford.