Oxford nanoSystems Ltd (OnS) is a high-tech start-up that spent the past 6 years developing nanoFLUX -- a nano-coating which dramatically improves the efficiency of two-phase heat-exchangers, such as evaporators. Our core technology, nanoFLUX is a highly-porous coating that enhances evaporative heat transfer by significantly increasing the density of nucleation sites on a surface. Unlike mechanical and sintered enhancements, nanoFLUX can be applied to internal surfaces and intricate micro-scale structures.

Looking towards future applications, we acknowledge the UK's drive for sustainable energy. There is a growing demand for electrolysers that produce green hydrogen for energy storage. We chose alkaline electrolysers (AWE) from the existing electrolysis methods. In contrast to PEM, AWE electrolysers do nor require expensive noble metal catalysts at the electrodes and can offer the potential to process saline water. OnS is focussing on AWE, because it is the most mature technology and we are able to substantially improve the efficiency of the process.

In this project we used a hierarchical structure including nanoFLUX to enhance the cathode electrode. This reduces the reaction overpotential by enhancing bubble nucleation and release of hydrogen. As a result, more electrolysis reactions are possible and the efficiency of the whole system will be greatly enhanced. Currently there are no technologies on the market that can offer a low cost, easy applicable solution.

We needed to quantify nanoFLUX performance in AWE hydrogen bubble formation in comparison to uncoated or SotA samples. To achieve this, NPL designed a flow cell test rig and provided independent measurements. This was supposed to enable OnS to offer our coating service to electrolyser manufacturers and thus providing the company with an additional revenue stream.

The output of the project was a report detailing the performance and accelerated lifetime testing on the coating material in AWE application. NPL gained a test rig and expand the range of services it can offer.

In this continuation project we will close the project. NPL's test rig is running and all the measurements from our A4i project an be completed. OnS will gain very interesting results from a research perspective. Also we will be able to approach our potential customers with a very attractive product. We are applying with strong support by NPL for a continuation in order to get to a point where we can fully exploit the results.