Ionomer Optimization for Water Uptake and Swelling in Anion Exchange Membrane Electrolyzer: Hydrogen Evolution Electrode

Huang, Garrett; Mandal, Mrinmay; Hassan, Noor Ul; Groenhout, Katelyn; Dobbs, Alexandra; Mustain, William E.; Kohl, Paul A.

doi:10.1149/1945-7111/abde7b

Title: Ionomer Optimization for Water Uptake and Swelling in Anion Exchange Membrane Electrolyzer: Hydrogen Evolution Electrode

Journal Article · Mon Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 2021 · Journal of the Electrochemical Society

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1149/1945-7111/abde7b· OSTI ID:1848903

;

; Hassan, Noor Ul;

; Dobbs, Alexandra; Mustain, William E.;

Green hydrogen produced through anion exchange membrane water electrolysis is a promising, low-cost chemical storage solution for intermittent renewable energy sources. Low-temperature electrolysis using anion exchange membranes (AEM) combines the benefits of established water electrolysis technologies based on alkaline electrolysis and proton exchange membrane electrolysis. The anion conductive ionomers (ACI) used in the AEM electrolyzer (AEMEL) electrodes has been investigated. The ACI serves two primary purposes: (i) facilitate hydroxide conduction between the catalyst and bulk electrolyte and (ii) bind the catalyst to the porous transport layer and membrane. High ion exchange capacity (IEC) ACIs are desired, however, high IEC can cause excessive water uptake (WU) and detrimental ACI swelling. Proper water management is a key factor in obtaining maximum performance in AEM-based devices. In this study, a series of poly(norbornene)-based ACIs were synthesized and deployed in hydrogen evolving AEMEL cathode electrodes. A balance between ionic conductivity, WU and ionomer swelling was achieved in the ACI by varying the IEC and degree of polymer cross-linking. It was found that higher IEC ACIs with light crosslinking are preferred in the HER electrode. Such a configuration fine-tuned the WU and ionomer swelling to achieve optimum cell performance and reduce cell operating voltages.

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Research Organization:: Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)

DOE Contract Number:: EE0008833

OSTI ID:: 1848903

Journal Information:: Journal of the Electrochemical Society, Vol. 168, Issue 2; ISSN 0013-4651

Publisher:: IOP Publishing - The Electrochemical Society

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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