Liu honored by Energy Department for hydrogen production technologies

Xingbo Liu, Statler College Associate Dean of Research and Statler Chair of Engineering

A West Virginia University researcher has received an award from the U.S. Department of Energy for his contributions to developing hydrogen production technologies.

Story by Jake Stump, Director of WVU Research Communications

Photos by Paige Nesbit, Director of Marketing

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Xingbo Liu, Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources associate dean for research and Statler chair of engineering, was honored recently at the DOE Hydrogen Program’s 2023 Annual Merit Review and Peer Evaluation Meeting.

He received the award for Hydrogen Production Technologies for “outstanding contributions to developing high-performing, efficient, and durable intermediate-temperature proton conducting solid oxide electrolysis cells.”

“Hydrogen is a critically important carrier for the state of West Virginia and the nation in our transition to the clean energy future,” Liu said. “The fact this is the only award DOE gave in the hydrogen production category shows the strength of our research in Statler College and WVU in the hydrogen area.”

The DOE has considered one of Liu’s projects a major breakthrough in proton conducting solid oxide electrolysis, an emerging technology that enables sustainable hydrogen production at reduced operating temperatures. Liu showed that he can achieve 5,000 hours of stable operation with very high performance and high steam concentration.

Despite winning the award, Liu credits his team and external partners for making the research and development happen.

“First of all, I would thank DOE Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Office for supporting our proton conducting solid oxide electrolysis cell project and all technical guidance you have provided throughout the project,” he said. “This is a team effort, and our external partners include the Colorado School of Mines, Idaho National Lab, Sandia National Lab and the National Renewable Energy National Lab. In WVU, key personnel on the team are Professor Wenyuan Li and Dr. Hanchen Tian.”

---