Development of a prototype using additive manufacturing technology for monitoring hydrogen and oxygen gases produced during the study of water electrolysis.

• Grant number: 25/03058-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Inorganic Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Juliano Alves Bonacin
• Grantee: Maria Eduarda Barbosa Cardoso
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

In the search of a more sustainable world, hydrogen emerges as a very important alternative and a symbol of an ecological future. However, the environmental benefits associated with hydrogen are intrinsically linked to its way of production. Currently, about 95% of hydrogen produced globally comes from fossil sources (gray H2), and only 5% of the world's hydrogen can be called "green" as it is obtained through carbon-free methods. This is because the cost of green hydrogen produced via water electrolysis is considerably higher than conventional methods that use fossil fuels. The system where water electrolysis takes place is known as an electrolyzer, which essentially consists of a cathode and an anode separated by a membrane immersed in an electrolyte. Despite having a good technological maturity, research and development are still crucial to achieving lower hydrogen production costs using these devices. Moreover, during the evaluation of catalysts and electrolyzers, one of the greatest challenges is the use of reliable and precise methods for quantifying the gases evolved during the reaction (oxygen and hydrogen). In this context, the use of micro sensors for dissolved gases stands out as they ensure fast and accurate measurements. However, one of the greatest challenges for applying these sensors is obtaining electrochemical cells that allow reliable measurements during water electrolysis. In this way, additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, presents itself as a versatile and customizable technique, offering high design flexibility and enabling the production of prototypes that can facilitate these measurements. Therefore, the goal of this proposal is the design and development of a prototype using additive manufacturing technology to assist in monitoring the oxygen and hydrogen gases produced during the study of water electrolysis. To this end, we will apply the Stereolithography (SLA) technique, using flexible resins resistant to various chemical environments, for designing the H-type electrochemical cell prototype, which will ensure gas measurements using H2 and O2 micro sensors with high efficiency. In addition to these efforts, we also seek scientific and technological advancements, as well as excellence in the academic training of student Maria Eduarda Barbosa Cardoso.