Hydrogen is a key enabler for the energy transition, and its clean production through water electrolysis is critical to the decarbonization of a wide range of sectors. At FBK, we develop innovative materials synthesis approaches for all major electrolysis technologies, such as Anion and Proton Exchange Membrane (AEM, PEM) and Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOECs), exploiting techniques based on physical and chemical vapor deposition to create innovative functional materials. Our expertise focuses on plasma-enhanced Physical and Chemical Vapour Deposition (Sputtering and PECVD) and Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), as high-controllable, environmentally friendly and scalable methods for synthesizing catalytic materials, protective coatings and corrosion-resistant films. Sputtering technique, in particular, is a “dry” synthesis processes which avoids the use of harmful chemicals. Deposition can be performed on planar substrates as well as on micro/nano-powders, resulting particularly useful for the development of new generation catalysts. On the other hand, ALD allows atomic-level control over film thickness and its conformality makes it compatible even with porous or morphologically complex substrates. These techniques allow the development of engineered interfaces, controlled phase composition and defect modulation. Through these approaches we developed a wide range of advanced materials, such as high entropy alloys, transition metal oxides, nitrides, carbides, chalcogenides, and other compounds. These materials hold promise not only for improving the efficiency and durability of electrolyser components, such as electrodes and protective barriers, but also for enabling new functionalities to emerging electrochemical devices. This contribution underscores the versatility and precision of plasma-based PVD and ALD methodologies in addressing multi-scale challenges in electrolyser development, from surface chemistry to large-area manufacturability, paving the way for next-generation, high-performance, and environment-friendly hydrogen technologies.
Plasma-based deposition techniques for green and versatile synthesis of advanced materials for hydrogen technologies
Matteo Bordin;Sandro Zorzi;Gloria Gottardi;Ruben Bartali;Matteo testi
2025-01-01
Abstract
Hydrogen is a key enabler for the energy transition, and its clean production through water electrolysis is critical to the decarbonization of a wide range of sectors. At FBK, we develop innovative materials synthesis approaches for all major electrolysis technologies, such as Anion and Proton Exchange Membrane (AEM, PEM) and Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOECs), exploiting techniques based on physical and chemical vapor deposition to create innovative functional materials. Our expertise focuses on plasma-enhanced Physical and Chemical Vapour Deposition (Sputtering and PECVD) and Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), as high-controllable, environmentally friendly and scalable methods for synthesizing catalytic materials, protective coatings and corrosion-resistant films. Sputtering technique, in particular, is a “dry” synthesis processes which avoids the use of harmful chemicals. Deposition can be performed on planar substrates as well as on micro/nano-powders, resulting particularly useful for the development of new generation catalysts. On the other hand, ALD allows atomic-level control over film thickness and its conformality makes it compatible even with porous or morphologically complex substrates. These techniques allow the development of engineered interfaces, controlled phase composition and defect modulation. Through these approaches we developed a wide range of advanced materials, such as high entropy alloys, transition metal oxides, nitrides, carbides, chalcogenides, and other compounds. These materials hold promise not only for improving the efficiency and durability of electrolyser components, such as electrodes and protective barriers, but also for enabling new functionalities to emerging electrochemical devices. This contribution underscores the versatility and precision of plasma-based PVD and ALD methodologies in addressing multi-scale challenges in electrolyser development, from surface chemistry to large-area manufacturability, paving the way for next-generation, high-performance, and environment-friendly hydrogen technologies.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
