Suchergebnisse

The present work demonstrates an innovative system combining Reverse Electrodialysis (RED) and Alkaline Polymer Electrolyte Water Electrolysis (APEWE) for sustainable hydrogen production. The Salinity Gradient Power (SGP)-RED unit was tested with a thermally regenerative solution of NH4CO3 in the concentration range of 0.15-1.5 M, whereas the water electrolysis unit equipped with quaternary ammonium functionalized anion selective membrane, Ni anode modified with Platinum Group Metal (PGM)-free electrocatalyst, Ni cathode modified with an electrochemically Reduced Graphene Oxide (RGO) was investigated at a varying temperature (50 - 80 °C). The integrated RED-APEWE system reached a maximum hydrogen production rate of 3.0x10-3 mol H2/h per cm2 of electrode surface area. Owing to the use of the thermally regenerative NH4CO3 solution, this work presents a profound basis to design a system allowing the conversion of low-grade waste heat into electricity in a closed loop with simultaneous production of hydrogen using salinity gradient energy. ; This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions IF grant agreement No. 748683.

Salinity gradient energy is currently attracting growing attention among the scientific community as a renewable energy source. In particular, Reverse Electrodialysis (RED) is emerging as one of the most promising membrane-based technologies for renewable energy generation by mixing two solutions of different salinity. This work presents a critical review of the most significant achievements in RED, focusing on membrane development, stack design, fluid dynamics, process optimization, fouling and potential applications. Although RED technology is mainly investigated for energy generation from river water/seawater, the opportunities for the use of concentrated brine are considered as well, driven by benefits in terms of higher power density and mitigation of adverse environmental effects related to brine disposal. Interesting extensions of the applicability of RED for sustainable production of water and hydrogen when complemented by reverse osmosis, membrane distillation, bio-electrochemical systems and water electrolysis technologies are also discussed, along with the possibility to use it as an energy storage device. The main hurdles to market implementation, predominantly related to unavailability of high performance, stable and low-cost membrane materials, are outlined. A techno-economic analysis based on the available literature data is also performed and critical research directions to facilitate commercialization of RED are identified. ; This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions IF grant agreement No. 748683.