Morphological analysis of iridium oxide anode catalyst layers for proton exchange membrane water electrolysis using high-resolution imaging

Ferner, Kara J.; Park, Janghoon; Kang, Zhenye; Mauger, Scott A.; Ulsh, Michael; Bender, Guido; Litster, Shawn

doi:10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.02.020

Title: Morphological analysis of iridium oxide anode catalyst layers for proton exchange membrane water electrolysis using high-resolution imaging

Journal Article · 07 February 2024 · International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.02.020 · OSTI ID:2293603

Ferner, Kara J. ^[1];

^[2];

^[2]; Litster, Shawn ^[1]

Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA (United States)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States). Chemistry and Nanoscience Center

This work demonstrates the application of high-resolution, 3D imaging to characterize micro- and nano-scale features of iridium oxide (IrO₂) anode catalyst layers (CLs) in proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and nanoscale X-ray computed tomography (nano-CT) reveal differences in micro-scale features between spray-coated and blade-coated CLs, and in blade-coated CLs along the fabrication and testing timeline. The electrode thickness distribution of the tested blade-coated CL suggests increased thinning of regions compressed by titanium fibers of the porous transport layer (PTL). Ultra-high-resolution imaging of Xe-plasma focused ion beam with SEM (pFIB-SEM) with the development of a segmentation method is used to investigate nano-scale features between these regions of the tested blade-coated CL, showing variations in porosity and pore sizes. The findings provide insights and modeling inputs for the morphology of PEMWE anode CLs towards a better understanding of the relationship between fabrication, operation, and transport behavior.

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Research Organization:: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)

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

Grant/Contract Number:: AC36-08GO28308; 1229090; 1428480; MCF-677785.

OSTI ID:: 2293603

Alternate ID(s):: OSTI ID: 2316140

Report Number(s):: NREL/JA-5K00-88803; MainId:89582; UUID:43279de4-a43e-4db1-a7d1-370b944b0843; MainAdminId:71972

Journal Information:: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Vol. 59; ISSN 0360-3199

Publisher:: ElsevierCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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Title: Morphological analysis of iridium oxide anode catalyst layers for proton exchange membrane water electrolysis using high-resolution imaging

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