Green hydrogen via water splitting earns DIFFER grant – ioplus.nl

Advancing Sustainable Development Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy through Green Hydrogen Research

Introduction to the ECATSURF Project

In alignment with the global pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), the ECATSURF project has been initiated to advance technologies for sustainable energy conversion and storage. Funded by a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowship (MSCA-PF), this research, led by postdoctoral researcher Debashrita Sarkar, focuses on the efficient production of green hydrogen through water splitting. This initiative directly supports the transition to a more sustainable global energy sector, a key target of SDG 7 and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Project Objectives and Contribution to Global Goals

Core Scientific Objective

The primary objective of the two-year ECATSURF project is to design and develop efficient, cost-effective electrocatalysts to facilitate the water-splitting process. The research will concentrate on materials based on transition metals, which are both abundant and economical. Key elements under investigation include:

• Cobalt
• Iron
• Nickel
• Molybdenum

The development of such catalysts is critical for making green hydrogen production economically viable and scalable, thereby contributing to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by fostering sustainable industrial processes.

Addressing Key Challenges in Water Splitting

The process of splitting water into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂) involves two distinct reactions. A significant bottleneck that hinders overall efficiency is the comparatively slow and challenging reaction that produces oxygen. The ECATSURF project aims to add significant value by addressing this specific challenge. The goal is to develop highly efficient catalytic materials that accelerate both reactions, ensuring a rapid and balanced conversion of water into hydrogen and oxygen.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The project’s outcomes are strategically aligned with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

1. SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): By developing a more efficient method for producing green hydrogen, the project directly contributes to increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
2. SDG 13 (Climate Action): Green hydrogen is a zero-emission energy carrier, and its widespread adoption is a crucial strategy for decarbonizing the energy sector and taking urgent action to combat climate change.
3. SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): The research employs cutting-edge scientific innovation and advanced infrastructure to develop technologies that can be integrated into sustainable industrial systems.

Methodology and International Collaboration

Technological Approach

To achieve its objectives, the project will leverage advanced instrumentation and methodologies. This focus on technological innovation is central to building resilient infrastructure as outlined in SDG 9. The technical approach includes:

• Advanced Deposition Methods: Utilization of a new Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) facility at DIFFER to develop the precursor for the transition metal catalysts.
• Real-Time Reaction Monitoring: Application of operando spectroscopy to study the electrocatalytic reactions as they occur, providing critical insights for process optimization.

Fostering SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

In the spirit of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), the ECATSURF project involves close international collaboration. Researcher Sarkar will work with professors in Germany who are experts in the field of operando spectroscopy. This partnership is essential for integrating real-time analysis into the catalyst development process and exemplifies the global cooperation required to achieve ambitious sustainable development targets.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  The article’s central theme is the development of “innovative technologies for energy conversion and storage” to make the “global energy sector more sustainable.” The research project focuses specifically on producing “green hydrogen through water splitting,” which is a key strategy for providing clean energy.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  The ECATSURF project is an example of enhancing scientific research and innovation. The article mentions the goal to “design and develop efficient, cost-effective transition metal-based electrocatalysts” and the use of “advanced deposition methods, including the brand-new Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) facility.” This highlights a direct contribution to upgrading technological capabilities and fostering innovation.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The project is funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA-PF), a European initiative, and involves international “collaboration closely with professors in Germany.” This demonstrates a partnership to advance science, technology, and innovation for sustainable development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Under SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy):
   • Target 7.2: “By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.” The project’s focus on producing “green hydrogen” directly supports the development of a renewable energy source, contributing to this target.
   • Target 7.a: “By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology… and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology.” The project is a model of this target, being an MSCA-funded fellowship that fosters collaboration between researchers and institutions (DIFFER in the Netherlands and professors in Germany) on clean energy technology.
2. Under SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure):
   • Target 9.5: “Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries… encouraging innovation…” The research aims to develop “highly efficient materials (catalysts)” and uses advanced equipment like the “Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) facility,” which directly aligns with enhancing scientific research and technological capabilities.
3. Under SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals):
   • Target 17.6: “Enhance North-South, South-South and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation…” The article describes a clear example of international scientific cooperation, with a researcher working at a Dutch institute (DIFFER) and collaborating with German academics, all under a European funding framework (MSCA-PF).

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• For Target 7.2:
  • An implied indicator is the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of renewable energy production. The article states the project’s aim is to develop “efficient, cost-effective transition metal-based electrocatalysts” to produce green hydrogen. Success in this area would be a measure of progress towards making renewable energy more viable and increasing its share in the energy mix.
• For Target 9.5:
  • An implied indicator is investment in research and development (R&D) and the number of researchers. The article explicitly mentions the project is a “Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA-PF)-funded” initiative, highlighting public investment in R&D. The focus on postdoctoral researcher Debashrita Sarkar also points to the development of human capital in scientific research.
• For Target 17.6:
  • A direct indicator is the existence of international cooperation agreements and projects. The ECATSURF project itself, with its funding structure and the stated “collaboration closely with professors in Germany,” serves as a concrete example and a measure of international scientific partnership in action.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

Source: ioplus.nl