Essentials of High Performance Water Electrolyzers – From Catalyst Layer Materials to Electrode Engineering. Issue 44 (13th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pham, Chuyen Van; Escalera‐López, Daniel; Mayrhofer, Karl; Cherevko, Serhiy; Thiele, Simon
• Is Part Of: Advanced energy materials. Volume 11:Issue 44(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-10-13
• Subjects: catalyst layers -- electrocatalysis -- electrode design -- hydrogen production -- membrane electrode assembly -- oxygen evolution reaction -- PEM water electrolyzers; Energy harvesting -- Materials -- Periodicals; Energy conversion -- Materials -- Periodicals; Energy storage -- Materials -- Periodicals; Photovoltaics -- Periodicals; Fuel cells -- Periodicals; Thermoelectric materials -- Periodicals; 621.31
• DOI: 10.1002/aenm.202101998
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1614-6832

Abstract

Abstract: Proton‐exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWEs) will play a key role in future sustainable hydrogen production for mobility, households or chemical industry. Yet, the anode in PEMWEs, where the pivotal oxygen evolution reaction takes place, needs further improvement in terms of performance and cost. Both catalyst materials and electrode structure have to be optimized in order to inhibit degradation and reduce noble metal loadings. This review focuses on a holistic approach, covering all catalyst material, electrode structure, and transport layers within the framework of an overall electrode design, which not only optimizes the catalyst but also, all components of the electrode in conjunction. This review defines the goals for performance metrics of future PEMWEs in terms of power density and durability of the anode. Moreover, it summarizes manufacturing techniques and approaches that have a chance to be upscaled to meet the megawatt deployment of PEMWEs. The different aspects described jointly in this review such as novel catalyst system with higher intrinsic and structural performance or graded porous transport layers shall help to advance a next generation of electrodes. Abstract : The review introduces the goals for performance metrics for future development of proton‐exchange membrane water electrolyzers. Holistic catalysts and catalyst layer designs are discussed, critically evaluated, and compared to the defined performance metrics. Perspective on tomorrow's high performance catalyst layers toward gigawatt scale deployment is provided.