Scientists from Delft University of Technology have developed an advanced 3D electrode design that makes the Battolyser—a unique combination of a battery and an electrolyzer—much more efficient.
The new design allows the Battolyser to store twice as much electricity and do so up to four times faster than before.
This innovation, detailed in Cell Reports Physical Science, could significantly reduce costs and save space, advancing the shift toward renewable energy.
What is a Battolyser?
The Battolyser is a hybrid device that can act as a battery, storing electricity for short-term use (like during day and night), and as an electrolyzer, producing hydrogen for long-term energy storage.
Unlike traditional hydrogen production methods that rely on fossil fuels, the Battolyser uses renewable energy to create green hydrogen. This makes it a sustainable option for addressing energy shortages.
Professor Fokko Mulder first came up with the idea for the Battolyser in 2013. It later became a commercial product under Battolyser Systems in 2021.
A game-changing design
The key breakthrough lies in the new 3D design of the Battolyser’s electrodes. The upgraded electrodes allow electricity to flow more efficiently, while also improving the removal of hydrogen and oxygen gases during electrolysis.
As a result, the device can switch between charging, hydrogen production, and discharging much faster than before, something standard electrolyzers cannot do.
This design also reduces the need for precious metals, making the Battolyser both more affordable and environmentally friendly.
Saving space and reducing costs
The improvements mean fewer cells are needed to store and produce the same amount of energy. This translates into significant cost savings and a much smaller footprint.
“To give an idea,” explains Mulder, “a traditional electrolyzer and a lithium battery combined would take up the space of 35 football fields. With the upgraded Battolyser, you only need space the size of the electrolyzer itself.”
Additionally, the new design reduces material costs by 75%. Fewer materials like membranes and current collectors are needed, lowering the cost of production and making the technology more scalable for widespread use.
Faster and more reliable
The new design also dramatically improves charging speed. “The Battolyser can now reach 82% charge in just 18 minutes,” says lead researcher Robin Möller-Gulland, “and it can do this without reducing its capacity.”
This aligns with future energy needs, where managing short bursts of energy surpluses or shortages is critical. The upgraded Battolyser can efficiently charge, discharge, and produce hydrogen within a typical four-hour cycle, meeting market demands for clean energy storage and generation.
With these innovations, the Battolyser is poised to revolutionize the green energy market, offering a faster, cheaper, and more sustainable solution for energy storage and hydrogen production.
