A Biomimetic Microfluidic Electrolyzer

MacGHyver is the acronym for the Microfluidic wAstewater treatment and Creation of Green HYdrogen Via Electrochemical Reactions. MacGhyver produces green hydrogen from wastewater using innovation in high-volume microfluidics, non-CRM electrodes, and electrochemical compression. The design consists of modular, stackable units, capable of small to large-scale production volume. The novel components (microfluidic electrolyzer, electrochemical compressor, separator) are combined with existing renewable energy sources, for maximum sustainability. Design and development are guided by the life-cycle analysis of each system.

A Biomimetic Microfluidic Electrolyzer

MacGhyver is the acronym for the Microfluidic wastewater treatment and Creation of Green Hydrogen Via Electrochemical Reactions. MacGhyver produces green hydrogen from wastewater using innovation in high-volume microfluidics, non-CRM electrodes, and electrochemical compression. The design consists of modular, stackable units, capable of small to large-scale production volume. The novel components (microfluidic electrolyzer, electrochemical compressor, separator) are combined with existing renewable energy sources, for maximum sustainability. Design and development are guided by the life-cycle analysis of each system.

MacGhyver WP's

The MacGhyver project is divided into 8 different Work Packages

Overarching Goals

Current Benchmark

50 - 83 kWh/kg

45% - 78 %

700-1400 $/kWel

1 - 12 kg CO2/ kg H2

Electrical Use

Energy Efficiency

Capital Cost

Carbon Footprint

MacGhyver Goal

< 45 kWh/kg

> 90%

200 $/kWel

1kg CO2/ kg H2

Overarching Goals

Current Benchmark

50 - 83 kWh/kg

45% - 78 %

700-1400 $/kWel

1 - 12 kg CO2/ kg H2

Electrical Use

Energy Efficiency

Capital Cost

Carbon Footprint

MacGhyver Goal

< 45 kWh/kg

> 90%

200 $/kWel

1kg CO2/ kg H2

Timeline

Raw material selection Electrolyzer design Project’s website & Dissemination plan

September 2022

Main results: Scale-up design Electrochemical compressor Energy calculator for the system model

September 2023

Main results: System integration Wastewater electrolysis Life Cycle Analysis & Cost (LCA & LCC)

September 2024

Main results: Final performance characteristics Upgraded LCA & LCC POC Validation

September 2025

TRL4
MacGhyver system validated in a lab.

September 2026

TRL7
Industrial pilots Business partnerships Further developments

September 2028

Timeline

Raw material selection Electrolyzer design Project’s website & Dissemination plan

September 2022

Main results: Scale-up design Electrochemical compressor Energy calculator for the system model

September 2023

Main results: System integration Wastewater electrolysis Life Cycle Analysis & Cost (LCA & LCC)

September 2024

Main results: Final performance characteristics Upgraded LCA & LCC POC Validation

September 2025

TRL4

September 2026

TRL7
Industrial pilots Business partnerships Further developments

September 2028

Technological Novelties

RAW MATERIAL
ELECTRODES
Bifunctional transition metal electrocatalysts
ELECTROCHEMICAL Compression & Separation
Bifunctional transition metal electrocatalysts
MINIATURIZED ELECTROLYZER Biomimetic & Microfluidics
High current density (> 10 times) & Low cell overpotential (> 25%)
LCA, LCC & SUSTAINABILITY
ANALYSIS
Accurate monitor for KPIs
Viable benchmark for sustainability

Technological Novelties

RAW MATERIAL ELECTRODES
Bifunctional transition metal electrocatalysts
ELECTROCHEMICAL Compression & Separation
Bifunctional transition metal electrocatalysts
MINIATURIZED ELECTROLYZER Biomimetic & Microfluidics
High current density (> 10 times) & Low cell overpotential (> 25%)
LCA, LCC & SUSTAINABILITY ANALYSIS
Accurate monitor for KPIs
Viable benchmark for sustainability