Michelin, the CNRS, Grenoble Alpes University, Grenoble INP - UGA and Savoie Mont Blanc University launched their new partnership. Over a period of 4 yr, the research teams will strive to develop sustainable H₂ production technology using water. The joint laboratory is the third LabCom pooling Michelin and CNRS expertise and deploying green H₂ production technologies.

At the present time, we are still to find a method for producing H₂ on a large and sustainable scale. To address this major challenge, the research teams at the Alcal’Hylab joint laboratory are teaming up to design next generation materials capable of boosting green H₂ production using water, in a low-carbon and sustainable manner, and on an industrial scale.

The majority of H₂ produced in the world is qualified as grey, as it is generated from fossil resources such as natural gas. Although this type of H₂ is the least costly to produce, it is also one of the least eco-friendly. When combined with black H₂, obtained via coal gasification, their production generates more than 2% of global carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. While less polluting alternatives exist, such as blue H₂, which is generated from fossil fuels with the capturing of CO₂ emissions, there is still no satisfactory method for producing H₂ sustainably in industrial quantities. Despite the existence of different production methods for green H₂ using solar and wind power or hydroelectricity, this currently represents less than 5% of total global production.

Water: A promising avenue for H₂ production. There are now several methods for producing green H₂ using water. The first is alkaline water electrolysis, known as AWE, which was first discovered over 200 years ago. This process produces H₂ by circulating an electrical current through a solution of potassium hydroxide and water less acidic than drinking water, using catalyzers composed of non-noble metals such as nickel, iron or steel. Although it is widely used in industry, this technology does not create ultra-pure H₂ at a high speed and is difficult to couple with renewable energies.

To overcome these hurdles, a new type of water electrolyzer, which uses a polymer membrane, impermeable to gas (H₂ and oxygen) was developed in the last few decades: PEMWE5 technology. While this results in ultra-pure gas production with a higher yield, this technology is nevertheless accompanied by new constraints: a reliance on rare and noble metals (platinum, iridium and titanium) and the generation of pollutants linked to the membrane used, such as fluorine.

Developing materials for next generation electrolyzers. With support from the Michelin R&D Center in Clermont-Ferrand, the research teams at the Electrochemistry and Physicochemistry of Materials and Interfaces Laboratory (CNRS/ Grenoble Alpes University/Grenoble INP - UGA/ Savoie Mont Blanc University), under the aegis of CNRS researcher, Frédéric Maillard, hope to develop water electrolysis technology combining the best of both worlds. The aim is to benefit both from the advantages of AWE technology (using non-noble metals that abound in the earth’s crust) and PEMWE (using a polymer membrane to achieve high H₂ production speeds, to pressurize the gases produced, with a high gas purity and to couple the electrolyzer with renewable energies).

This new technology, called anion-exchange membrane water electrolyzer (AEMWE), will require the development of nano-catalyzers comprising metals that abound in the earth’s crust including nickel, and an anion exchange polymer membrane that is more environmentally compliant.

“The creation of AlcalHylab, the tenth joint research laboratory between Michelin and the CNRS, is another illustration of the mutual trust between our two institutions. This work, which also involves our academic partners – Grenoble Alpes University, Grenoble INP – UGA and Savoie Mont Blanc University – will help to consolidate our long-term partnership and our shared interest in honing our H₂ technology expertise,” said Jacques Maddaluno, Director of CNRS Chemistry.

“The Michelin group has shown an interest in H₂ for over 20 years, recognizing its potential for reducing CO₂ emissions and for energy transition, in mobility and also for lowering carbon reliance in several industrial fields. This new joint laboratory with the CNRS, Grenoble Alpes University, Grenoble INP - UGA and Savoie Mont Blanc University, the third devoted specifically to H₂ research, will improve our knowledge of the processes and materials that will enable its large-scale production to be less carbon reliant in the future,” said Christophe Moriceau, VP Advanced Research for the Michelin Group.

“This partnership illustrates the strength of our scientific and economic ecosystem, mobilizing researchers and industrialists to accelerate innovation and technologies transfers. Together, we are asserting our commitment to a more sustainable society and low-carbon industry. With more than 80 joint laboratories currently operating, including Grenoble Alpes University and industrial partners, and as the European leader in terms of patent registrations, UGA is a pioneering university in terms of innovation, committed to digital and ecological transformation, as well as European sovereignty,” said Yassine Lakhnech, President of Grenoble Alpes University.

“A historic player founded by and for companies, Grenoble INP - UGA is delighted with the creation of this joint laboratory – a strong symbol of the public-private collaboration and a strategic lever for innovation. Committed to broad transitions, in particular as an operator of the Carnot Energies du Futur Institute, the establishment plays a central role in this H₂ project, with 40% of the public employees drawn from its ranks. This initiative consolidates the long-standing collaboration between Grenoble INP - UGA and Michelin, combining training, research and innovation to offer far-reaching and impactful programs, both locally and internationally,” said Vivien Quéma, General Administrator of Grenoble INP – UGA.

“Addressing the challenges of the energy transition is one of the three fundamental pillars defining research at Savoie Mont Blanc University (USMB). We are therefore eager to get involved with this multi-stakeholder collaboration, which led to the creation of Alcal’HyLab. This initiative perfectly illustrates the synergy between academic research and industry to serve our regions. Alongside our partners, we support the activities of the Electrochemistry and Physicochemistry of Materials and Interfaces Laboratory (LEPMI) for developing next generation materials to be used in AEMWE electrolyzers. This strategic project reinforces our commitment to innovation for a more sustainable and competitive H₂ production,” said Philippe Briand, President of Savoie Mont Blanc University.