Novel Conductive Polymer Binder for Composite Electrodes
Can be prepared from readily-available and plentiful reagents Provides highly conductive, stable support for catalysts used in Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) Exhibits high current density Most active and stable OER electrodes reported to date
Highlights
- Can be prepared from readily-available and plentiful reagents
- Provides highly conductive, stable support for catalysts used in Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER)
- Exhibits high current density
- Most active and stable OER electrodes reported to date
Opportunity
A research team led by Steven Bergens from the University of Alberta have developed a multifunctional polymer-based electrode that conducts electrons, ions, and co-reacts with metal ions in the electro-oxidation of water (oxygen evolution reaction (OER)). The electrode comprises polycarbazole (PCz) deposited on a conductive substrate and loaded with common metal catalysts. The electrode exhibits a high current density (> 100 mA cm-2) and is highly conductive and stable under harsh conditions, including under high temperatures (> 70 °C) and high alkalinity (> 4 M KOH). Preliminary results indicate that the electrode outperformed Nafion-based electrodes of the same catalyst loading. Furthermore, unlike Nafion- based electrodes, the electrode operates at much lower and stable (over long periods) potentials.
Competitive advantage
- Low overpotentials and mass loadings
- Contains low loadings of earth-abundant catalysts that are active and stable for OER under harsh conditions
Status
- Patent Pending
About University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is a large, comprehensive public research university in Edmonton with multiple campuses and a strong applied research culture. Industry engages through co-located labs and pilot-scale facilities, as well as established co-op and internship programs that place talent with partners year-round. Integration with Alberta’s province-wide hospital system supports clinical research and accelerates translation. Companies also benefit from proximity to regional industry clusters and collaboration hubs on and near campus for joint R&D and prototyping. Supported by NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC, and Canada Foundation for Innovation funding—plus provincial and industry support—the tech transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup formation with streamlined sponsored-research agreements.
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