Grant: Canada Research Chairs

Dr. Holdcroft’s proposed research is inspired by the urgent societal need to discover new solutions and new materials to tackle increasing global CO2 emissions. The establishment of a hydrogen economy is critical to decarbonization of energy systems and industrial processes, and is integral to Canada’s Climate Action plan designed to help reduce net CO2 emissions to zero by 2050. In this context, alkaline membrane water electrolysis has emerged as a technology with the potential of expediting the adoption of green hydrogen production, at scale; while electrochemical oxidation of hydrogen in a membrane fuel cell allows for on-demand electricity generation with zero pollution at point-of-use. Solid polyelectrolyte membranes and materials feature prominently in these clean energy conversion technologies. Dr. Holdcroft proposes to create an internationally recognized knowledge platform for the design and implementation of robust solid polyelectrolytes for electrochemical energy conversion technologies to help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. He will develop synthetic strategies for designing next generation hydroxide-conducting polymers, and fluorine free, proton-conducting polymer electrolytes. He will conduct detailed in situ investigations into their integration into electrochemical conversion devices to generate knowledge leading to enhanced membrane-electrode-assemblies for green hydrogen production, green power generation, and CO2 transformation into higher value feedstocks.