METASIS Webinar #6 - Hybrid metal phosphonates and perovskite-cobaltite materials as electrode materials for energy conversion
Presentation Details: Hydrogen is emerging as a key clean energy vector with significant potential to decarbonise industries such as ammonia and steel production. However, widespread adoption depends on reducing hydrogen production costs through affordable, efficient electrocatalysts and improved electrolyser designs. This work highlights strategies to lower both capital (CAPEX) and operating (OPEX) costs by developing non-platinum group metal (non-PGM) catalysts for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions (HER/OER). Microporous iron, cobalt, and nickel phosphonate catalysts exhibit high surface area, enhanced catalytic activity, and reduced overpotentials, making them effective for alkaline water splitting. A novel 3D-printed membraneless microfluidic electrolyser further reduces manufacturing costs and fabrication time compared with conventional lithographic methods. Using an asymmetric electrolyte configuration (acidic catholyte and alkaline anolyte) improves water-splitting kinetics, enabling performance comparable to conventional electrolysers while reducing manufacturing costs by approximately 25%.
The work also addresses intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs), where sluggish oxygen reduction limits performance at lower temperatures. A newly developed neodymium-based perovskite cathode, Nd₀.₆₇Sr₀.₃₃Co₀.₈Fe₀.₂O₃₋δ (NSCF), demonstrates high electrical and ionic conductivity, low interfacial resistance, and excellent power densities between 700–800°C. In solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) mode, symmetrical NSCF electrodes also deliver efficient CO₂ electrolysis with high current density and stable long-term operation, demonstrating promise for both clean hydrogen production and carbon utilisation technologies.
METASIS Webinar: METASIS is a UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)–funded programme supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) (EP/W033178/1, UKRI3156), focused on advancing high-temperature steam electrolysis and solid oxide energy systems for low-carbon hydrogen production. Led by Robert Gordon University, in collaboration with the University of Surrey, Aston University, and the UK National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL), METASIS addresses key challenges in materials durability, manufacturing, and system integration to enable large-scale hydrogen deployment.
As part of the research dissemination and stakeholder engagement, the METASIS Webinar Series is a knowledge-exchange plan bringing together leading scientists, engineers, and industry experts to discuss emerging frontiers in electrochemical and thermochemical hydrogen production.
This webinar is being hosted virtually via Microsoft Teams and supported by the Brilliant Energy Institute (BEI) at Ontario Tech University (Canada), Hy-ONE (UK), and All Things Hydrogen Conference (UK). It is open to researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers working across hydrogen technologies, energy systems, and clean-energy innovation.
METASIS research: https://www.rgu.ac.uk/metasis
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/metasis-solid-oxide-steam-electrolyser/
Webinar Programme
• Date: Thursday 27th August 2026, 12:00–13:00 (UK time) (4.30-5.30 pm Indian time)
• Title: Hybrid metal phosphonates and perovskite-cobaltite materials as electrode materials for energy conversion
• Speaker: Professor Suddhasatwa Basu, Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, India; Email: sbasu@chemical.iitd.ac.in