Membrane electrode assemblies with low noble metal loadings for hydrogen production from solid polymer electrolyte water electrolysis

Abstract

Su, H. et al. (2013). Membrane electrode assemblies with low noble metal loadings for hydrogen production from solid polymer electrolyte water electrolysis. AbstractHigh performance membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) with low noble metal loadings (NMLs) were developed for solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) water electrolysis. The electro-chemical and physical characterization of the MEAs was performed by IeV curves, elec-trochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Even though the total NML was lowered to 0.38 mg cm -2 , it still reached a high performance of 1.633 V at 2 A cm -2 and 80 o C, with IrO2 as anode catalyst. The influences of the ionomer content in the anode catalyst layer (CL) and the cell temperature were investigated with the purpose of optimizing the performance. SEM and EIS measurements revealed that the MEA with low NML has very thin porous cathode and anode CLs that get intimate contact with the electrolyte membrane, which makes a reduced mass transport limitation and lower ohmic resistance of the MEA. A short-term water electrolysis operation at 1 A cm -2 showed that the MEA has good stability: the cell voltage maintained at ~1.60 V without distinct degradation after 122 h operation at 80 o C and atmospheric pressure.

Various operating methods and parameters for SO2 electrolysis

“…Figure illustrates the EIS data attained for the various hot pressing pressures. It is apparent that the membrane resistance (interception with the x ‐axis) was not significantly influenced by the hot pressing pressure as has been previously reported in literature . By visual inspection, Figure confirms the improved polarization curve attained for the 125 kg cm −2 compared to the 50 kg cm −2 hot‐pressed MEA due to the improved charge transfer characteristics as shown by the width of the semicircle.…”

Nanosized IrOx–Ir Catalyst with Relevant Activity for Anodes of Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolysis Produced by a Cost‐Effective Procedure

“…Chemie the state-of-the art. [39] Optimizing the MEA manufacturing process,c ell components,a nd measuring system, as well as long-term stability tests are all part of our on-going work.…”

The Stability Challenges of Oxygen Evolving Catalysts: Towards a Common Fundamental Understanding and Mitigation of Catalyst Degradation

“… Stability test of a CSMUI membrane with standard and low iridium oxide loading (2 and 0.4 mg cm −2 respectively); operated at 1 A cm −2 , 80 °C, and 1 bar; compiled from Refs. ; reprinted with permission from Elsevier.…”