CX-100914 Transformative Materials for High-Efficiency Thermochemical Production of Solar Fuels

Transformative Materials for High-Efficiency Thermochemical Production of Solar Fuels
Award Number: DE-EE0008089
CX(s) Applied: A9, B3.6
Fuel Cells Technologies Office
Location(s): IL
Office(s): Golden Field Office

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing to provide federal funding to Northwestern University for laboratory scale chemical engineering and materials science activities to test, experimentally and computationally, the viability of perovskite compounds which were previously identified as having promise in solar thermochemical applications. Project work would occur within existing laboratories at Northwestern University and collaboration is expected to occur with the HydroGEN Energy Materials Network National Laboratory consortium. 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 would occur in existing laboratories designed for this type of work that would utilize standard laboratory equipment; 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 for project activities. The project would involve the use and handling of various hazardous materials, including industrial solvents. All such handling would occur in-lab utilizing proper hazardous material handling and disposal practices to ensure the project activities would pose no risk to the public. All personnel would receive appropriate training in safe laboratory procedures. All hazardous materials would be managed in accordance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations and would follow all guidelines and requirements of the Office for Research Safety at Northwestern University. DOE does not anticipate any impacts to resources of concern due to the proposed activities of the project.