Electrocatalysis Consortium
Stored: Electrocatalysis Consortium
| Type | Program |
|---|---|
| Sponsor Organization | Partnership |
| Top Organization | Department of Energy |
| Creation Legislation | None |
| Website | Website |
| Purpose | Electrocatalysis Consortium speeds up platinum-free catalyst development for fuel cells and hydrogen production, cutting costs and boosting clean energy with lab tools and data for innovation. |
| Program Start | 2016 |
| Initial Funding | $40 million across Energy Materials Network |
| Duration | Ongoing |
| Historic | No |
The Electrocatalysis Consortium (ElectroCat) is a Department of Energy initiative within the Energy Materials Network, established to overcome the high cost of platinum-based catalysts in fuel cells and electrolyzers by developing platinum group metal-free (PGM-free) alternatives.
Launched in 2016 and co-led by Argonne National Laboratory and Los Alamos National Laboratory, ElectroCat employs high-throughput screening, computational modeling, and catalyst synthesis to expedite PGM-free catalyst research, now in its second phase (ElectroCat 2.0) as of 2020, expanding to electrolyzer applications.[1]
By fostering a collaborative network, it aims to make hydrogen technologies more affordable and competitive, supporting over 30 projects since its inception.
Goals
- Develop PGM-free electrocatalysts to replace costly platinum in fuel cells and electrolyzers.
- Accelerate catalyst discovery using high-throughput and combinatorial methods, targeting cost-competitive clean energy solutions.
- Enhance data sharing and tool access for industry and academic partners to drive innovation.[2]
Organization
The Electrocatalysis Consortium operates as a partnership, co-led by Argonne National Laboratory and Los Alamos National Laboratory, with additional support from Oak Ridge and National Renewable Energy Laboratories. It is governed by a Steering Committee that coordinates capabilities and data management, with Piotr Zelenay from Los Alamos serving as a key co-leader under the title "Consortium Co-Director."[3] Funding comes primarily from the DOE’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office, supporting core research and industry collaborations.
Partners
- Argonne National Laboratory
- Los Alamos National Laboratory
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory
History
ElectroCat was founded in 2016 as part of the DOE’s Energy Materials Network, responding to the need to reduce fuel cell costs, where platinum catalysts account for nearly 50% of expenses. It built on prior electrocatalysis research, formalizing a national lab consortium to streamline PGM-free catalyst development.[4] The transition to ElectroCat 2.0 in 2020 expanded its scope to electrolyzers, with milestones like the 2023 Annual Merit Review highlighting progress in catalyst performance. It continues to evolve, with plans to integrate findings into commercial applications.
Funding
ElectroCat kicked off in 2016 with $40 million allocated across the Energy Materials Network, including its share for initial setup and projects, though specific ElectroCat funding wasn’t isolated publicly. Ongoing support comes from DOE’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office, with $15.8 million awarded in 2023 for 30 new projects.[5] Funding sustains lab capabilities, data curation, and industry partnerships, with no set end date as it aligns with DOE’s Energy Earthshots Initiative.
Implementation
The program implements its mission through a network of national lab tools, including X-ray imaging and high-throughput synthesis, accessible via a single-point interface for partners.[6] It progresses in phases: ElectroCat 1.0 (2016-2020) focused on fuel cells, while ElectroCat 2.0 extends to electrolyzers, with ongoing efforts to refine catalyst durability and efficiency. There’s no fixed end, as it adapts to technological and market needs.
Related
External links
- https://www.electrocat.org
- https://www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/electrocatalysis-consortium-electrocat
- wikipedia:Electrocatalysis Consortium
Social media
References
- ↑ "ElectroCat Consortium". ElectroCat. https://www.electrocat.org.
- ↑ "ElectroCat Overview". Department of Energy. https://www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/electrocatalysis-consortium-electrocat.
- ↑ "ElectroCat Team-Up". Argonne National Laboratory. https://www.anl.gov/article/argonne-and-los-alamos-national-laboratories-team-up-to-develop-more-affordable-fuel-cell-components.
- ↑ "ElectroCat Overview". Department of Energy. https://www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/electrocatalysis-consortium-electrocat.
- ↑ "ElectroCat Announcements". ElectroCat. https://www.electrocat.org/announcements.
- ↑ "ElectroCat Capabilities". Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. https://www.llnl.gov/news/earth-system-grid-federation-launches-effort-upgrade-climate-projection-data-system.