Key Components and Design Strategy for a Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzer

Abstract

As the most attractive energy carrier, hydrogen production through electrochemical water splitting (EWS) is promising for resolving the serious environmental problems derived from the rapid consumption of fossil fuels globally. The proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer (PEMWE) is one of the most promising EWS technologies and has achieved great advancements. To offer a timely reference for the progress of the PEMWE system, the latest advancements and developments of PEMWE technology are systematically reviewed. The key components, including the electrocatalysts, PEM, and porous transport layer (PTL) as well as bipolar plate (BPP), are first introduced and discussed, followed by the membrane electrode assembly and cell design. The highlights are put on the design of the electrocatalyst and the relationship of each component on the performance of the PEMWE. Moreover, the current challenges and future perspectives for the development of PEMWE are also discussed. There is a hope that this review can provide a timely reference for future directions in PEMWE challenges and perspectives.

Iridium-based catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction in acidic media: Mechanism, catalytic promotion effects and recent progress

“…10(a)) [145,227]. The current density in PEMWE is expected to be higher than 1 A•cm -2 , with the operating temperature around 60 to 80 °C, and the energy efficiency is expected to be between 75% and 80% [228,229]. Actually, though many catalysts have been demonstrated to have good catalytic performance in acidic OER, they might not be available in the practical PEMWE application [36].…”

A cracked carbon matrix decorated with amorphous IrOx for boosting the oxygen evolution reaction in electrochemical water splitting

“…The solution resistance (or ohmic resistance) of the MEA is determined by the ionic and contact resistances of the membrane. 78 Therefore, a decrease in the solution resistance was ascribed to the enlargement of the surface area of the CM, facilitating contact between the electrolyte and IrO x electrocatalyst. The improvement of electron transfer from the catalyst to the current collector contributed to the reduction of the charge transfer resistance in IrO x @CM-100.…”

Advanced Pt-based electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline medium

“…Besides, 1D hollow tubes with a porous structure can facilitate gas diffusion and further enhance the utilization of interfacial active sites of the Pt-based catalysts. 100 Hence, designing Pt-based catalysts into 1D nanowire/nanotube structures, simultaneously combining with other intrinsic activity regulation strategies, can effectively improve the HER performance. Until now, many one-dimensional Pt-based nanocatalysts with excellent HER catalytic activity and stability have been successfully synthesized.…”