Grant: CCI Applied Research and Development Grants

Industrial development heavily reliant on fossil energy has propelled rapid global economic growth. However, this progress has come at a significant cost, leading to severe energy shortages and environmental pollution issues. The pursuit of renewable and sustainable clean energy has become a critical area of research. Electrochemical energy has garnered substantial focus due to its efficiency in converting high amounts of power. Electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices, such as metal-air cells, fuel cells, and electrolytic cells, play a crucial role in this context. These devices convert electrical energy into chemical energy and vice versa through electrochemical reactions such as the Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR), Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER), and Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER). However, the sluggish kinetics and poor stability of catalyst materials present significant challenges that need to be addressed to optimize these reactions. The proposed project, in collaboration with Gaia Refinery and Lambton College, aims to deposit α-MnO2 onto oxidized carbon felts on an industrial scale (0.5 m by 1 m) with precise control over the morphology of the structure. This project represents a significant advancement in the field of electrochemical energy conversion, particularly in addressing the aforementioned challenges associated with catalyst materials. The synthesis and integration of α-MnO2 onto carbon felts will seek to enhance catalytic activity, improve durability, and optimize the performance of carbon-based non-precious metal (NPM) catalytic systems. By improving the performance of these systems, we can significantly advance the efficiency and stability of electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices. This, in turn, contributes to the broader goal of developing sustainable and renewable energy solutions, thereby reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating environmental pollution. This collaborative project will contribute to the field of renewable energy by developing advanced materials and methods for efficient electrochemical energy conversion. Focusing on the deposition of α-MnO2 on carbon, overcoming challenges of catalyst performance will ultimately pave the way for more effective and sustainable energy storage and conversion technologies. The successful completion of this project will bolster company revenue and employment opportunities within the first 5 years.