HealMEA · Self-Healing Membrane Electrode Assemblies for Enhanced Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis and Green Hydrogen Production

Hydrogen has emerged as a key enabler in the transition to a clean energy system, as it generates zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions upon use. Water electrolysis powered by intermittent renewable energy sources is one of the most promising routes for green hydrogen production. Among the available electrolysers, the anion exchange membrane water electrolyser (AEMWE) has gained attention as a promising technology that enables the use of non-critical raw materials to build its components. However, its large-scale deployment is constrained by the limited efficiency and durability of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA), the core component of the system. The HealMEA project, supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, aims to develop a novel self-healing catalyst and MEA with enhanced durability and efficiency for AEMWEs. This will be achieved by transforming earth-abundant transition metals (e.g., Ni, Fe, Mo) into self-healing catalysts through the integration of intrinsic self-healing polymers (e.g., polydopamine, polyimine). Self-healing catalyst-coated membranes (CCMs) will then be fabricated using an innovative coating technique. The materials will be characterized using advanced real-time (in situ/operando) techniques. Their performance and durability will be validated under industrially relevant conditions during a secondment at VITO (Belgium). The project will generate new knowledge and enhance the efficiency and durability of AEMWEs. It will contribute to reducing stack costs, directly supporting the EU’s Green Deal, REPowerEU, and the EU Hydrogen Strategy for climate neutrality. The fellowship will also provide the researcher with cutting-edge expertise in catalyst/MEA engineering, in situ/operando characterization, and transferable skills for a career in sustainable energy technologies.