Green Hydrogen Production

Investigate fundamental mechanism of gas-evolving electrodes and develop green hydrogen production prototype.

Investigate fundamental mechanism of gas-evolving electrodes and develop green hydrogen production prototype 

Project description

Gas-evolving reactions are ubiquitous in many electrochemical systems including water splitting, chlor-alkali electrolysis, and direct methanol fuel cells. For example, green hydrogen, produced by splitting water with renewable sources (e.g., wind and solar) of electricity, is a clean alternative to fossil fuels and a leading option for energy storage, which is expected to fundamentally alter the fossil fuels-centered global energy landscape and promises our ambitious goal of net zero emissions by 2050.

In this project, we will investigate the hydrogen gas evolution on micro/nanostructured surfaces during water electrolysis. Students will experimentally fabricate gas-evolving electrodes and study the fundamental mechanisms governing hydrogen production at the micro/nanoscale. Our ultimate goal is to increase energy conversion efficiencies of renewable energy-driven water splitting systems. 

Project outcome

  • Work with a multidisciplinary team of engineers to develop green hydrogen production prototypes.
  • Hands-on experiences of the development of engineered materials and experimental apparatus.
  • Develop strong written and oral communication skills.
  • Opportunity to present their work as a poster and/or publish in a peer-reviewed journal. 

Project details

Timing, eligibility and other details
Length of commitment Longer than a semester; 6-9 months
Start time Spring (January/February 2025)
Summer (May/June 2025) 
In-person, remote, or hybrid? In-Person Project (Can only function with in-person engagement)
Level of collaboration Small group project (2-3 students)
Benefits

Academic Credit

Work Study

Stipend

Who is eligible All undergraduate students; preferred but not limited to background in mechanical and aerospace engineering, material science, chemistry, or physics; strong interest in developing renewable energy solutions; experience with programming (e.g., MATLAB). 

Project mentor

Hyeongyun Cha

Assistant Professor

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Phone: (716) 645-3059

Email: chah@buffalo.edu

Start the project

  1. Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
  2. After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.) 

Preparation activities

Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase. 

Keywords

Hydrogen, water, clean energy, mechanical engineering, SEAS