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Development of an ultra-thin electrode for the oxygen evolution reaction in proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers

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  • Kang, Zhenye
  • Yang, Gaoqiang
  • Mo, Jingke

Abstract

Noble metal electrocatalysts are highly preferred for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in a proton exchange membrane water electrolysis cell (PEMWE) due to their exceptional catalytic activity and stability. This study proposes a novel thin electrode (NTE) design to enhance the performance of noble metal electrocatalysts for the OER in PEMWE. The NTE utilizes a thin porous transport layer for the direct deposition of Iridium (Ir). Unlike conventional gas diffusion electrodes with deep porous structures that underutilize the catalyst due to limited triple-phase boundary conditions, the flat NTEs with straight-through pores overcome this restriction. The paper compares two deposition methods, electroplating and sputter coating. The in-situ electrochemical properties of NTEs with varying Ir loadings (0.06–1.01 mg cm−2) are investigated. The electroplated NTE demonstrates excellent mass activity, achieving 5.05 A mg−1 at 1.6 V and 80 °C. The NTE exhibits a simple fabrication process and low cost while significantly improving catalyst mass activity. Additionally, the NTE reduces electrode thickness from hundreds of micrometers to only 25 μm. This concept holds great promise for the future advancement of compact and high-efficiency PEMWE electrodes, resulting in reduced cost, volume, and mass of both the electrode itself and the overall system.

Suggested Citation

  • Kang, Zhenye & Yang, Gaoqiang & Mo, Jingke, 2024. "Development of an ultra-thin electrode for the oxygen evolution reaction in proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 224(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:224:y:2024:i:c:s0960148124002246
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2024.120159
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yuannan Wang & Mingcheng Zhang & Zhenye Kang & Lei Shi & Yucheng Shen & Boyuan Tian & Yongcun Zou & Hui Chen & Xiaoxin Zou, 2023. "Nano-metal diborides-supported anode catalyst with strongly coupled TaOx/IrO2 catalytic layer for low-iridium-loading proton exchange membrane electrolyzer," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-12, December.
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    6. Jason K. Lee & Grace Anderson & Andrew W. Tricker & Finn Babbe & Arya Madan & David A. Cullen & José’ D. Arregui-Mena & Nemanja Danilovic & Rangachary Mukundan & Adam Z. Weber & Xiong Peng, 2023. "Ionomer-free and recyclable porous-transport electrode for high-performing proton-exchange-membrane water electrolysis," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-11, December.
    7. Kang, Zhenye & Wang, Hao & Liu, Yanrong & Mo, Jingke & Wang, Min & Li, Jing & Tian, Xinlong, 2022. "Exploring and understanding the internal voltage losses through catalyst layers in proton exchange membrane water electrolysis devices," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 317(C).
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