Electrocatalysis for Green Energy Storage & Conversion Sultan Mohammed Ali Said Al-Hattali Foundation Studies, RMIT University 1. INTRODUCTION (~100 words) Text Green hydrogen is a sustainable energy carrier produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis powered by renewable electricity such as solar and wind energy. Unlike conventional hydrogen produced from fossil fuels, green hydrogen generates minimal greenhouse gas emissions during operation. As countries work towards net-zero targets, green hydrogen is increasingly recognised as an important technology for decarbonising transport, electricity generation and industrial processes. This poster investigates the chemistry of electrocatalytic water electrolysis and examines how advances in catalyst technology are improving hydrogen production efficiency for clean energy storage and conversion. Diagram Figure 1: Green Hydrogen Overview Plain Text Solar + Wind ↓ Renewable Electricity ↓ Water Electrolysis ↓ Green Hydrogen ↓ Energy Storage & Use Show more lines 2. ENERGY STORAGE APPLICATIONS (~100-120 words) Text Renewable energy generation is intermittent because solar and wind resources are dependent on environmental conditions. Green hydrogen provides an effective solution by storing excess renewable electricity in the form of chemical energy. The stored hydrogen can later be converted back into electricity through fuel cells when required. This storage capability improves energy security and supports greater integration of renewable energy systems. Green hydrogen can also be used in heavy transport, industrial manufacturing, power generation and chemical production, making it an essential component of future sustainable energy systems. Diagram Figure 2: Hydrogen Economy Cycle Plain Text Renewable Energy ↓ Electrolysis ↓ Green Hydrogen ↓ Hydrogen Storage ↓ Fuel Cell ↓ Electricity Show more lines 3. CHEMISTRY PRINCIPLES (~220 words) Text Green hydrogen is produced through water electrolysis, an electrochemical process that decomposes water into hydrogen and oxygen using electrical energy. Overall Reaction 2H₂O(l) → 2H₂(g) + O₂(g) Two half-reactions occur during electrolysis. Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) Occurs at the cathode: 2H₂O + 2e⁻ → H₂ + 2OH⁻ Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) Occurs at the anode: 4OH⁻ → O₂ + 2H₂O + 4e⁻ Electrocatalysts increase the rate of these reactions by lowering activation energy and reducing overpotential. Platinum and iridium oxide provide excellent catalytic performance; however, their high cost has encouraged the development of alternative nickel-, iron-, cobalt- and molybdenum-based catalysts. Nanostructured electrocatalysts provide larger surface areas and increased active sites, improving reaction efficiency and hydrogen yield. Diagram A Figure 3: Water Electrolysis Cell (Use generated image) Diagram B Figure 4: Activation Energy Graph Plain Text Energy │ │ Without Catalyst │ /\ │ / \ │ │ With Catalyst │ /
Electrocatalysis for Green Energy Storage & Conversion Sultan Mohammed Ali Said Al-Hattali Foundation Studies, RMIT University 1. INTRODUCTION (~100 words) Text Green hydrogen is a sustainable energy carrier produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis powered by renewable electricity such as solar and wind energy. Unlike conventional hydrogen produced from fossil fuels, green hydrogen generates minimal greenhouse gas emissions during operation. As countries work towards net-zero targets, green hydrogen is increasingly recognised as an important technology for decarbonising transport, electricity generation and industrial processes. This poster investigates the chemistry of electrocatalytic water electrolysis and examines how advances in catalyst technology are improving hydrogen production efficiency for clean energy storage and conversion. Diagram Figure 1: Green Hydrogen Overview Plain Text Solar + Wind ↓ Renewable Electricity ↓ Water Electrolysis ↓ Green Hydrogen ↓ Energy Storage & Use Show more lines 2. ENERGY STORAGE APPLICATIONS (~100-120 words) Text Renewable energy generation is intermittent because solar and wind resources are dependent on environmental conditions. Green hydrogen provides an effective solution by storing excess renewable electricity in the form of chemical energy. The stored hydrogen can later be converted back into electricity through fuel cells when required. This storage capability improves energy security and supports greater integration of renewable energy systems. Green hydrogen can also be used in heavy transport, industrial manufacturing, power generation and chemical production, making it an essential component of future sustainable energy systems. Diagram Figure 2: Hydrogen Economy Cycle Plain Text Renewable Energy ↓ Electrolysis ↓ Green Hydrogen ↓ Hydrogen Storage ↓ Fuel Cell ↓ Electricity Show more lines 3. CHEMISTRY PRINCIPLES (~220 words) Text Green hydrogen is produced through water electrolysis, an electrochemical process that decomposes water into hydrogen and oxygen using electrical energy. Overall Reaction 2H₂O(l) → 2H₂(g) + O₂(g) Two half-reactions occur during electrolysis. Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) Occurs at the cathode: 2H₂O + 2e⁻ → H₂ + 2OH⁻ Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) Occurs at the anode: 4OH⁻ → O₂ + 2H₂O + 4e⁻ Electrocatalysts increase the rate of these reactions by lowering activation energy and reducing overpotential. Platinum and iridium oxide provide excellent catalytic performance; however, their high cost has encouraged the development of alternative nickel-, iron-, cobalt- and molybdenum-based catalysts. Nanostructured electrocatalysts provide larger surface areas and increased active sites, improving reaction efficiency and hydrogen yield. Diagram A Figure 3: Water Electrolysis Cell (Use generated image) Diagram B Figure 4: Activation Energy Graph Plain Text Energy │ │ Without Catalyst │ /\ │ / \ │ │ With Catalyst │ /
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This overview explores green hydrogen as a pivotal clean energy source, detailing its role in achieving net-zero emissions through renewable power and electrolysis. It delves into the chemistry of electrolysis, discussing key reactions and comparing various catalysts. Additionally, it outlines the hydrogen economy's cycle, emphasizing its applications in transport, industry, and energy grids, supported by the IEA's 2024 report indicating a significant rise in hydrogen demand.