To develop Water Electrolysers (PEM and AEM) specifically suited for use with renewables energies and a wide range of water salinity (i.e., from UPW up to seawater) (UNIPA). The implementation of seawater electrolysis requires robust and efficient electrocatalysts that can sustain seawater splitting without chloride corrosion, especially for the anode. Thus, the focus of the project is on selective and stable low-cost electrocatalysts for the oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions with low-noble metal loading for PEM electrolysis and non-noble metal loading for the AEM (CNR– ITAE ME).

Potentials and limitations of the possible couplings with Renewable Energy sources for the energy intensive steps of the seawater treatment chain will also be analysed. In order to identify and quantify the hot spots related to environmental impacts and costs LCA and LCC will be carried out (CNR– ITAE PA).

Results will be useful for the plant design optimization reducing costs and environmental impacts.