Speaker
Description
Hydrogen, as a high-potential energy carrier, stands out as a key solution for storing and regulating electricity generated from renewable sources [1]. In this context, ADELE HYDROGEN™ develops cutting-edge electrodes for alkaline electrolyzers, avoiding the use of noble metals or critical raw materials. However, further innovation is needed, particularly in optimizing electrode topology to address performance limitations such as ohmic and activation losses.
A deeper understanding of the multiphysics phenomena governing water electrolysis—especially gas bubble dynamics—is critical to improve electrolyzer efficiency. Ohmic losses, for instance, are exacerbated by gas bubble accumulation, which disrupts electron and ion transport within the porous electrode structure. To mitigate these effects, high-resolution imaging of the electrode’s complex, often heterogeneous microstructure is essential. This enables precise segmentation of phases (solid, void) and quantification of structural parameters like porosity and tortuosity, which directly influence bubble nucleation, growth, and detachment.
In this study, we combine advanced imaging techniques—X-ray tomography, FIB-SEM, and electron microscopy—with numerical simulations to extract key structural parameters. Our objective is to use these data to reconstruct the 3D electrode microstructure and develop 3D simulations of multiphysics phenomena at the microscopic scale. These microscopic insights will then be upscaled to inform a macroscopic model, enabling the study of overall electrolyzer performance and stability under real-world operating conditions.
