CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE

The Institute of Advanced Technologies for Energy “Nicola Giordano” (ITAE) was founded by the National Research Council in 1980, thanks to the strong will of Prof. Nicola Giordano. The initial name was the Institute for Research on Methods and Chemical Processes for Energy Transformation and Storage. In 2001, as part of a restructuring of the institution’s scientific network, it assumed its current name. The institute was thereafter entitled to the memory of Prof. Nicola Giordano, a scientist from Messina and a full professor of Industrial Chemistry at the University of Messina, who directed it for sixteen years. Prof. Giordano identified the strategy and research lines on energy that are still characterized by significant development and applications today.

The strong growth of the institute in its field of expertise and the considerable strategic interest arised by the energy technologies laid the groundwork for funding from the Agency for the Promotion of Development of Southern Italy, which enabled the creation of a new and larger headquarters, suitable for the needs of a research institute. The new building is located in front of the farmer laboratory, an essential oils factory, and has been fully operational since 1993. The building extends over three levels with a total area of 4800 square meters and includes laboratories, offices, a conference room, a library, and a cafeteria. Prof. Nicola Giordano directed the institute from 1980 until his death in May 1996.

CNR-ITAE decided to join the SWEETHY project because it matches our main goals: to develop innovative and sustainable energy technologies. The project gives us the chance to work on green hydrogen production using seawater and materials that are low-cost and do not include critical raw materials (CRM). SWEETHY allows us to use our experience in electrochemistry and electrolysis systems to support the shift towards clean energy. It also helps us to strengthen our role in European hydrogen research and to work closely with other research and industry partners. By taking part in SWEETHY, we aim to help build a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

The activity of CNR-ITAE in the framework of the project focuses on two main tasks: the development of innovative CRM-free electrocatalysts for seawater electrolysis and the design and engineering of the Balance of Plant (BoP). The catalysts, aimed at improving the oxygen evolution reaction, are thoroughly characterised through physico-chemical and electrochemical tests. CNR-ITAE is also involved in electrode and membrane validation at single-cell level. Furthermore, the 10-cell SWEETHY stack is tested at CNR facilities in Messina, with over 2000 hours of operation in Mediterranean seawater, including performance monitoring and post-operation diagnostics to assess degradation mechanisms.