CX-100892 Novel Chalcopyrites For Advanced Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

Novel Chalcopyrites For Advanced Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Award Number: DE-EE0008085
CX(s) Applied: A9, B3.6, B3.15
Fuel Cells Technologies Office
Location(s): HI
Office(s): Golden Field Office

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing to provide federal funding to the University of Hawaii at Manoa for the development and study of new chalcopyrite photocathodes for photoelectrochemical water splitting (hydrogen production). Project work would occur within existing laboratory facilities at the University of Hawaii (Hawaii), University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), Stanford University (Stanford), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), and the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL). This is a three-year research project that includes three budget periods. Only Budget Period 1 (BP1) is being negotiated at this time so this NEPA review is for BP1 activities only. Additional NEPA review will be required if DOE proposes to continue funding the project into subsequent budget periods.

Project work at LLNL would include theoretical modeling activities only while project activities at the other facilities would utilize standard laboratory equipment and would occur in existing laboratories designed for this type of work; therefore no modifications, new permits, additional licenses and/or authorizations would be necessary. No ground disturbing activities, no changes in operation of existing facilities, and no installation of equipment outdoors would occur at any of the facilities involved in the project. Each facility would adhere to their existing health and safety policies and procedures for the handling, storage, and disposal of gases and chemicals. Various hazardous materials would be handled as part of this project within Hawaii, UNLV, Stanford, and NREL laboratories. Each of the laboratory facilities would follow the proper procedures for the handling and disposal of hazardous materials in accordance with each of the facility’s existing environmental health and safety plans and procedures as well as all federal, state, and local environmental regulations. Other non-hazardous wastes would be disposed of in accordance with established guidelines at each facility. Nanoscale materials would be used during the project. These materials would be deposited directly onto substrates in an enclosed vacuum chamber or in a glove box. All nanoscale materials used during the project would be thermodynamically stable, non-volatile, and bound to substrates. These substrates would be stored in the laboratory in enclosed containers for further tests and never disposed. DOE does not anticipate any impacts to resources of concern due to the proposed activities of the project.