Advancing the Performance of Anion Exchange Membrane Electrolysis by Employing a Powder-Based Ionomer during Anode Catalyst Layer Fabrication

TL;DR

Using powdered ionomers in anode fabrication improves the efficiency of anion exchange membrane water electrolysis.

Contribution

Powdered ionomers enhance anode properties, leading to better performance in AEMWE systems.

Findings

Anodes with powdered ionomers show improved polarization curves and charge transfer kinetics.

Powdered ionomers result in more uniform distribution and better electronic conduction in the catalyst layer.

Optimal performance is achieved with a Co3O4 catalyst and 10 wt% powdered ionomer.

Abstract

The performance of anion exchange membrane water electrolysis
(AEMWE)
can be significantly improved by utilizing powdered ionomers during
the fabrication of the anode catalyst layer (CL) to modify the CL
properties. When comparing powdered ionomers to dispersed ionomers
across various catalystsincluding cobalt oxide (Co3O4), nickel–iron oxide (NiFe2O4), and iridium oxide (IrO2)the anode fabricated
with powdered ionomers demonstrates improved performance in polarization
curves, enhanced charge transfer kinetics, and reduced ohmic and transport
losses, as evidenced by voltage breakdown and electrochemical impedance
spectroscopy analyses. Optimal performance is achieved using a Co3O4 catalyst with a 10 wt % powdered ionomer via
the catalyst-coated substrate method. Microscopy analyses reveal that
electrodes formed with powdered ionomers during fabrication exhibit
a more uniform catalyst and ionomer distribution, increased porosity
with smaller pore areas, improved electronic conduction with less
catalyst agglomeration isolated by a nonconductive ionomer, and enhanced
interfacial contact with the membrane and transport layer. These findings
highlight that ionomers in a powdered form can promote beneficial
properties and are a promising approach to improving AEMWE efficiency.

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