Abstract

Part 1: Solar hydrogen production: To address the urgent need for zero greenhouse gas emissions, hydrogen is being increasingly recognised as a clean energy vector due to its high energy density and water-only combustion product. Conventional hydrogen production is often carbon-intensive, so renewable approaches are required. We have been designing, building, and characterising prototype photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems capable of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using only photon energy. Experimental results from reactor testing under various irradiation modes (both indoors and outdoors), electrode materials, and geometries are discussed, highlighting design considerations for scale-up. I shall discuss the main phenomena limiting PEC device performance, emphasising that engineering and materials development must advance in parallel for future piloting of PEC water splitting systems.

Part 2: Electrochemical carbon nanotube synthesis Electrochemical CO₂ reduction (ECR) in molten carbonates is a possible route for simultaneous carbon capture and production of value-added materials. We investigate the electrolysis of molten Li₂CO₃ at 800 °C, yielding carbon nanostructures including carbon nanotubes (CNTs), nanofibers, and nanoparticles. CNTs are of particular interest due to their unique mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties, yet their high production cost (≈ $100k per tonne) limits widespread application. Our research aims to optimise this electrochemical process to lower costs and enable scalable prototype development. I will discuss out experimental setup, methodology, key finding and next steps on this exciting project.

Biography

Anna Hankin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London (ICL). Her principal interests and expertise are in the science and engineering of electrochemical energy conversion, CO₂ reduction, and separation processes for industrial effluent treatment and material recycling. After obtaining her MSci degree in Physics at ICL in 2007, she moved to the Department of Chemical Engineering to carry out PhD studies in electrochemical wastewater treatment through heavy metal recovery. She subsequently conducted multiple postdoctoral research projects in the same department, including in photoelectrochemical solar fuel production, waste management by electrochemical treatment of waste streams and valorisation of CO₂ via conversion into fuels. Academic research projects in her group are aimed at solving industrial problems through both experimental and numerical modelling investigations.

More information can be found on her group website: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/electrochemical-systems-laboratory/