High-performance and cost-effective membrane electrode assemblies for advanced proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers: Long-term durability assessment. (6th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mirshekari, Gholamreza; Ouimet, Ryan; Zeng, Zhiqiao; Yu, Haoran; Bliznakov, Stoyan; Bonville, Leonard; Niedzwiecki, Allison; Capuano, Chris; Ayers, Katherine; Maric, Radenka
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 46:Number 2(2021)
• Page Start: 1526
• Page End: 1539
• Publication Date: 2021-01-06
• Subjects: High durability -- High-performance -- Low-loaded membrane electrode assembly -- Proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer -- Reactive spray deposition technology; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.10.112
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: Improved activity and durability performance of a two-cell (86 cm 2 ) proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer (PEMWE) stack is reported for the first time. Both membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) contain one order of magnitude lower platinum group metal (PGM) loadings compared to the state-of-the-art PEMWEs and incorporate novel Pt recombination layers. The high-performance and cost-effective MEAs are fabricated by the unique reactive spray deposition technology (RSDT). This advanced methodology allows for one-step fabrication of MEAs and ensures precise control and distribution of the catalyst composition and loading. The RSDT-fabricated MEAs contain only 0.2 and 0.3 mgPGM cm −2 loading in the cathode and anode electrodes, respectively, and demonstrate excellent activity and durability for over 3000 h of operation at industrially-relevant operating conditions without showing significant loss in performance. This novel work shows that a significant cost reduction for PEMWEs is achieved while maintaining excellent durability, high catalysts activities, and low hydrogen cross-over. Highlights: High-performance and cost-effective cells are fabricated for water electrolysis. Platinum group metal loading is reduced to 1/10th of commercial cell loading. Cells fabricated by reactive spray deposition technology have high durability. Electrodes fabricated by reactive spray deposition technology have high activity.