Enabling the Hydrogen Economy with Plastics
Creating a clean and sustainable energy sector involves hydrogen. Electrically produced hydrogen—developed through sustainable sources, such as wind, solar and hydro-power—can be used in zero-emission hydrogen fuel cells with only water as the by-product.
Canada is a world leader in both electrically generated hydrogen and hydrogen-based fuel cell technology. But to remain competitive, research is urgently needed to develop advanced materials for cost-effective devices that will allow hydrogen-based technologies to be mass-produced.
Dr. Steven Holdcroft, Canada Research Chair in Electrochemical Materials, is designing, synthesizing and integrating a class of functional macromolecules and organic materials that will drive the next generation of hydrogen-based technologies.
Holdcroft and his research team are exploring the relationship between molecular structures, morphology and transport properties. Through their research in the area of organic solid polymer electrolytes and electronically conducting polymers, they hope to bring the next-generation of hydrogen-based technologies to the forefront. For example, they are looking at developing novel plastics that increase the efficiency of hydrogen production and storage, as well as organic membranes that will revolutionize fuel cell and electrolytic-hydrogen production.
Holdcroft hopes his findings will provide the knowledge we need to fuel the development of next-generation clean energy technologies and support the mass production of hydrogen-based technologies.