Johnson Matthey (JM)
University of Warwick

Producing hydrogen is essential to reducing fossil fuel use and addressing climate change. Hydrogen is a carbon-free, energy source that can play a key role in achieving the transition to Net Zero. It is produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen molecules, using special materials known as electrocatalysts. However, current catalysts rely on iridium, a precious metal with limited supply.

Gareth’s project aims to design new efficient catalysts with reduced iridium, making hydrogen production more sustainable. His research focuses on developing innovative materials and scaling up their production to support the growing demand for hydrogen. This research is crucial given that the amount of available iridium worldwide cannot supply the number of catalysts required to sustain widespread hydrogen production.

Through innovative design and new chemical formulas to produce novel material structures, sustainable hydrogen production can become a reality, reducing carbon emissions caused by fossil fuels like natural gas, which is widely used today.

Biography:

Aspiring to work on sustainable technologies and the chemical industry, Gareth studied a BA in Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge. Following his degree, he went on to work at JM where he’s been involved in the development of new recycling processes for materials, from hydrogen fuel cells and electrolysers. He recently undertook an MSc in Chemistry at the University of Warwick and has continued his work at JM focusing on broadening the understanding of proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis and catalyst systems.