Laboratory for Green Hydrogen
The Laboratory for Green Hydrogen offers research capabilities for a variety of topics on green Hydrogen production from water-splitting. We focus on three core strategies for water-splitting, namely - electrolysis, photocatalysis and photo-electrocatalysis. In addition to the general materials fabrication tools, our labs are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for materials characterization and performance evaluation under different working conditions.
Water electrolysis: The research focuses on developing low-cost, non-PGM electrocatalysts for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions, targeting both pure and direct seawater electrolysis. The testing facilities include multiple potentiostats, custom-designed electrochemical cells, rotating disk electrodes, anion-exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolyzers and other related accessories.
Photo(electro)catalytic water-splitting: The research is focused on development of 2D heterostructural platelets and nanocomposites for particle-based photocatalysis. Additionally, we have a state-of-the-art pulsed laser deposition facility fabrication of epitaxial thin film catalysts on Si/Ge photocathodes for photo-electrochemical water-splitting. For functional testing, we have a setup with solar simulator, corresponding wavelength filters, reference cells and custom-designed photoreactors.
Related equipment
Potentiostat biologic (VSP-300)
Person responsible: Asst. Prof. Dr. Suraj Gupta
The potentiostat is used for electrochemical measurements in various applications, such as water electrolysis and PEC water-splitting. With multi-channel, we can run up to 4 experiments simultaneously. This one comes with two 10A boosters.
Potentiostat: multi-channel (Corrtest Instruments, CS310X)
Person responsible: Asst. Prof. Dr. Suraj Gupta
The potentiostat is used for electrochemical measurements in various applications, such as water electrolysis and PEC water-splitting. With multi-channel, we can run up to 4 experiments simultaneously.
Technical details
- Number of channels: 4
- Potential control range: ±10V
- Potential accuracy: 0.1%×full range±1mV
- Potential resolution:10μV(>100Hz), 3μV(<10Hz)
- Constant current control range: ±1A
- Current accuracy: 0.1%×full range
- Current resolution: 1pA
- Current range: 2nA ~1A
- EIS 10μHz - 1MHz
- AC signal amplitude: 1mV~2500mV
- Operating System requirements: Windows 10 and above
- Weight: 12KG (4 channel)
Potentiostat (Gamry, 1010E)
Person responsible: Asst. Prof. Dr. Suraj Gupta
The potentiostat is used for electrochemical measurements in various applications, such as water electrolysis and PEC water-splitting.
Technical details
- Max Applied Current - ±1 A
- Maximum Applied Potential - ±12 V
- EIS 10 μHz - 2 MHz
- 2, 3, or 4 cell connections
- Current Ranges - 9 (10 nA - 1 A)
- Minimum Current Resolution - 3.3 fA
- Rise Time <1 μs
- Compliance Voltage - ±20 V (@ 1A)
Gas chromatography (Inficon, Micro GC Fusion 2-Module System F0G580W02W02)
Person responsible: Dr. Marjeta Maček Kržmanc
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of compounds in mixed gas samples (hydrocarbons (C1-C8), H2, O2, N2, CO, CO2).
Technical details
- Micro GC Fusion 2-Module System
- Module A : Backflush 1.0 uL, Rt-Molsieve 5A, 0.25mm, 10m, TCD2, Front (heated)
- Module B : Variable volume, Rt-Q-Bond, 0.25mm, 8m, TCD2, Front (heated)
- Carrier gas (options: He, H2, N2, Ar, requested purity 99,999 %)
- Maximal programme column temperature: 250°C
- Maximal sample inlet gas pressure 172 kPa
Flow photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell (custom made)
Person responsible: Asst. Prof. Dr. Suraj Gupta
The PEC cell is used for measurement of photocatalysts in the form of thin film coatings. The cell can be used in PEC mode, where electrical bias can be applied to the photo-electrode, assisting in complex reactions, such as water-splitting.
Technical details
It is a custom made three point measurement cell, with:
- Ag/AgCl reference electrode and
- Pt wire as a counter electrode
- the 5 mm x 5 mm sample is placed on Cu plate, forming a wireless back contact for working electrode
- top side of sample is illuminated and in contact with electrolyte
- the pump is providing the constant flow of the electrolyte
- membrane between counter and working electrode, allowing the separation of produced oxygen and hydrogen
Photocatalytic water-splitting cell
Person responsible: Asst. Prof. Dr. Suraj Gupta
The photocatalytic water-splitting cell is used to perform photo-induced reactions using photocatalyst powders suspended in aqueous solutions.
Technical details
- Jacketed borosilicate glass cell with a total enclosed volume of 210 mL
- Fitted with a removable Quartz window (60 mm dia.) that allows irradiation of simulated solar light on the enclosed solution
- The cell has gas-tight ports for purging inert gases and can be connected directly to a gas chromatograph for continuous gas detection
Solar Simulator (Newport, 66984-300XF-R1)
Person responsible: Asst. Prof. Dr. Suraj Gupta
The solar simulator's primary function is to generate a collimated beam that replicates solar irradiance, enabling its use in applications like photocatalysis where controlled, consistent light exposure is essential.
Technical details
- 300 W Xenon lamp with AM 1.5 G filter
- Beam size: 33 mm with automatic shutter
- Calibrated Si reference cell
- Bandpass filters with centre wavelengths ranging from 350 nm to 800 nm