Anode Catalysts in Anion–Exchange–Membrane Electrolysis without Supporting Electrolyte: Conductivity, Dynamics, and Ionomer Degradation

Krivina, Raina A.; Lindquist, Grace A.; Beaudoin, Sarah R.; Stovall, Timothy Nathan; Thompson, Willow L.; Twight, Liam P.; Marsh, Douglas; Grzyb, Joseph; Fabrizio, Kevin; Hutchison, James E.; Boettcher, Shannon W.

doi:10.1002/adma.202203033

Anode Catalysts in Anion–Exchange–Membrane Electrolysis without Supporting Electrolyte: Conductivity, Dynamics, and Ionomer Degradation

Journal Article · Tue Jul 05 00:00:00 EDT 2022 · Advanced Materials

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202203033· OSTI ID:2322611

Krivina, Raina A. ^[1]; ^[2]; Beaudoin, Sarah R. ^[2]; Stovall, Timothy Nathan ^[2]; Thompson, Willow L. ^[2]; Twight, Liam P. ^[2]; Marsh, Douglas ^[2]; Grzyb, Joseph ^[2]; Fabrizio, Kevin ^[2]; Hutchison, James E. ^[2]; ^[2]

University of Oregon, Eugene, OR (United States); University of Oregon
University of Oregon, Eugene, OR (United States)

Anion-exchange-membrane water electrolyzers (AEMWEs) in principle operate without soluble electrolyte using earth-abundant catalysts and cell materials and thus lower the cost of green H₂. Current systems lack competitive performance and the durability needed for commercialization. One critical issue is a poor understanding of catalyst-specific degradation processes in the electrolyzer. While non-platinum-group-metal (non-PGM) oxygen-evolution catalysts show excellent performance and durability in strongly alkaline electrolyte, this has not transferred directly to pure-water AEMWEs. Here, AEMWEs with five non-PGM anode catalysts are built and the catalysts’ structural stability and interactions with the alkaline ionomer are characterized during electrolyzer operation and post-mortem. The results show catalyst electrical conductivity is one key to obtaining high-performing systems and that many non-PGM catalysts restructure during operation. Dynamic Fe sites correlate with enhanced degradation rates, as does the addition of soluble Fe impurities. In contrast, electronically conductive Co₃O₄ nanoparticles (without Fe in the crystal structure) yield AEMWEs from simple, standard preparation methods, with performance and stability comparable to IrO₂. Furthermore, these results reveal the fundamental dynamic catalytic processes resulting in AEMWE device failure under relevant conditions, demonstrate a viable non-PGM catalyst for AEMWE operation, and illustrate underlying design rules for engineering anode catalyst/ionomer layers with higher performance and durability.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: University of Oregon, Eugene, OR (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Office of Sustainable Transportation. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO)

Grant/Contract Number:: EE0008841

OSTI ID:: 2322611

Alternate ID(s):: OSTI ID: 1976216

Journal Information:: Advanced Materials, Journal Name: Advanced Materials Journal Issue: 35 Vol. 34; ISSN 0935-9648

Publisher:: WileyCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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