Development of High Entropy Alloys (HEAs)-based Electrocatalysts for Clean Hydrogen Production via Seawater Splitting

The DEEPSEA project aims to harness the unique properties of High entropy alloys (HEAs) to address the critical challenge of efficient and sustainable hydrogen production through seawater splitting. HEAs, composed of five or more metal elements, exhibit exceptional mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and stability. These characteristics make them promising candidates for advanced electrocatalysts. The DEEPSEA project focuses on predicting novel HEAs using density functional theory, evaluation of thermodynamic quantities and active sites responsible for water oxidation, and guiding practical synthesis. Structural and electrochemical characterization of newly synthesized HEAs will be carried out to confirm the phase formation and electrochemical activity. The primary objective of this project is to study the water-splitting activity of HEAs for green hydrogen production via seawater splitting. The key electrochemical performance metrics including overpotential, Tafel slopes, and long-term stability, will be evaluated to identify the most efficient compositions of HEAs. Various HEA compositions and structures will be optimized to enhance the bifunctional seawater-splitting activity. The project's expected outcomes include the development of HEAs with lower overpotentials than commercial HER/OER catalysts at high current densities and excellent electrochemical stability. This research project will not only contribute to the advancement in clean hydrogen production technologies but also provide valuable insights into the design and optimization of advanced materials for energy applications. By addressing the pitfalls of clean hydrogen production, this project aligns with global efforts to move towards a carbon-emission-free future, offering a promising roadmap for the development of scalable, and efficient clean hydrogen production systems.