Modular metal-organic proton conductors for high-temperature water electrolyzers and fuel cells

The European Green Deal sets ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Achieving these goals requires innovative solutions, with renewable hydrogen emerging as a key strategy. As a clean and versatile energy carrier, renewable hydrogen offers a promising pathway to decarbonize sectors such as transportation, industry, and energy storage, making it ideal for meeting the Green Deal's climate objectives. However, the production of renewable hydrogen is currently limited by the efficiency of electrolysis technologies, particularly those involving proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers. These systems, while effective, are constrained by low thermal stability and reduced efficiency at higher temperatures, which also hinders the broader adoption of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (HFCEVs). To address these challenges, the MOPOWER project aims to develop advanced metal-organic glasses (MOGs) as a new class of proton conductors. Using a bottom-up strategy, MOPOWER seeks to design MOGs tailored for intermediate-temperature electrolysis (150–250°C) and high-temperature PEM fuel cells (100–180°C). These materials offer superior proton conductivity, thermal stability, and exceptional processability, allowing them to be easily shaped into defect-free, high-performance membranes. This modularity and ease of fabrication are critical for scaling up production and integrating MOGs into practical PEM systems. Through this innovative approach, MOPOWER aims to overcome the current limitations of renewable hydrogen production, supporting the transition to a sustainable, climate-neutral future. The MOPOWER bridges the candidate's strong background in conductive porous materials with the host group's extensive experience in microfabrication, making it a feasible undertaking.