Developing novel ionomer binders for catalyst layers to address key challenges associated with green hydrogen production and utilisation
Funder
Royal Society – Short Industry Fellowship
Value
£23,517
Project Team
Dr Vinnothkhannan Mohanraj – Coventry University
Dr James Stevens – Johnson Matthey
Duration
01 March 2025 – 28 Feb 2026
Project Overview
The purpose of this project is to establish a platform for research collaboration between Coventry University (CU) and Johnson Matthey (JM), aiming to accelerate the development and implementation of advanced ionomer binders for hydrogen technologies.
Specifically, this project focuses on translating scientific innovation into economically and practically viable anion-exchange ionomers that can improve the performance and durability of catalyst layer, thereby anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolysers (AEMWE) and AEM fuel cells (AEMFC). By addressing current limitations, the project will provide the hydrogen industry with sustainable, cost-effective solutions.
This fellowship will also support knowledge transfer, fostering innovation in clean energy technologies and contributing to the commercialisation of robust, long-lasting systems for hydrogen production and utilisation, thus aligning with global efforts toward a greener energy economy.
Objectives
The aim of this project is to develop innovative anion-exchange ionomer binders with low cost, high anion conductivity, alkaline stability and antiradical activity to enhance the cost-efficiency and durability of AEMWE and AEMFC. Current industrial applications face significant barriers due to ionomer binder degradation caused by alkaline solution and radical species, which limits performance and increases operational costs.
By creating advanced materials with necessary characteristics, this project aims to address these challenges, extending the operational lifespan of electrolysers and fuel cells over 5000 hours under accelerated degradation condition while reducing maintenance and replacement costs. A parallel task of this project will fabricate the catalyst layers with our novel ionomers and test them in AEMWE and FC. If successful, this technology could significantly lower the levelised cost of hydrogen:
- Using cheaper and durable ionomer binder to replace commercial polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) based ionomers.
- Enabling use of cheaper catalyst materials in place of expensive iridium catalysts.
- Avoiding the use of expensive titanium and graphite bipolar plates.
Impact statement
A successful proof-of-principle for novel ionomer binders will unlock many new research avenues in CU and JM research perspectives. It aims to extend AEMWE and AEMFC lifespan and reduce cost of green hydrogen. Outcomes include, but are not limited to:
- Accelerating commercialisation of JM’s AEMWE and AEMFC technology and product, by demonstrating best-in-class efficiency and durability
- Presenting results at least 1 UK national conference (e.g. Electrochem 2025)
- Seeking funding for follow-on projects from sources like HORIZON, InnovateUK, and UK-HyRES/EPSRC.
Outputs
- Publish the results in at least 1 Q1 journal publications.
- Prototype of AEMWE and AEMFC cell with novel ionomer and catalyst layer complete.
- Proof-of-principle bench test demonstration of AEMWE and AEMFC cell with novel ionomer and catalyst layer (live demo).
