Two scientists in white lab coats are examining a material sample in the Electrochemical Components Laboratory.

GALWANi – Nanowire Electrodes for Alkaline Water Electrolysis

The GALWANi project is developing customized nickel and nickel-iron nanowire electrodes for more powerful and efficient alkaline electrolysers.

As part of the GALWANi research project, the ZBT and the GSI Helmholtz Center for Heavy Ion Research are developing novel electrodes for alkaline water electrolysis. The electrodes are intended to increase the power density, efficiency, and service life of electrolysers used to produce green hydrogen.

Custom-Designed Nanowire Structures for Mass Transport

Using special membrane templates and electroplating, finely structured electrode scaffolds made of nickel and nickel-iron are produced. Wire diameter, length, density, and cross-linking are precisely controlled to combine a large electrochemically active surface area with high electrical conductivity and short transport paths.

This is intended to allow water to reach the active areas of the electrode more effectively. At the same time, the hydrogen and oxygen bubbles produced during electrolysis can be removed more quickly. This reduces transport losses and enables higher current and power densities.

Developing Electrodes as a Functional Unit

The anode is additionally functionalised with a thin, highly active layer of nickel-iron double hydroxide. The support structure and the catalytically active surface are not separated but are developed as a single functional unit.

The electrodes are being tested under real-world conditions and gradually scaled up to larger areas. In addition, the project evaluates their suitability for continuous manufacturing processes. GALWANi thus combines nanotechnology, electroplating, and electrolyser development to make alkaline electrolysers more compact, efficient, and cost-effective.

This approach opens up new opportunities, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. Expertise and production facilities in the fields of electroplating, surface engineering, materials development, measurement technology, and mechanical and plant engineering could be utilised in the future to develop innovative components for the hydrogen economy.

Project information

Project Acronym: GALWANi

Project Title: Custom-Designed Nanowire Electrodes for the Next Generation of Alkaline Water Electrolysis

Project period: 1 July 2026, through 31 December 2028

Funding Program: IGF Projects

ZBT Grant Amount: €249,914.88

Project partners:

Contact

Enado Pineti

+49 203 7598-3133

e.pineti@zbt.de

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