The collaboration between two faculties of ZUT allowed scientists to develop a ZUTolyzer – a breakthrough technology in hydrogen production.
The team of prof. Ewa Mijowska, from the Department of Nanomaterials Physicochemistry in the Faculty of Chemical Technology and Engineering, and the team of prof. Piotr Pawełko, from the Department of Mechatronics in the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics, together came up with a prototype of electrolyser having a very unique construction.
The core of innovation lays in using chemical industry waste materials as catalyst, instead of traditionally applied critical raw materials (CRM) – mostly iridium, platinum or ruthenium. In the ZUTolyzer ferric salts are used, as they appeared to be the most effective, comparing to the other substances tested. They are obtained, among others, from the waste of Grupa Azoty Zakłady Chemiczne "Police" SA factory.
The device constructed by ZUT researchers is more efficient than commercial electrolysers and may be fully environmental friendly, as it is easy to connect the ZUTolyser with renewable energy sources – PV or wind turbines. Technical support of the scientists from the Laboratory of Hydrogen Technologies helped to develop a laboratory version of the prototype, thereby a ready solution is prepared for setting up the stage of commercialization.
More information about the common invention of ZUT experts on mechatronics and nanotechnology is available in nationwide science news services, e.g.:
Photos: Marcin Bielecki/PAP
