Work

Interface between anode porous transport layer and catalyst layer: A key to efficient, stable and competitive proton exchange membrane water electrolysis

Year: 2024

Type: review

Abstract: This review examines recent advancements in the design and optimisation of the anode porous transportlayer (PTL) and catalyst layer (CL) interface in proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE).The quality of PTL‐CL interface (contact area and contact resistivity per unit area) is critical to overallelectrolyser performance, influencing both the (activation and ohmic) voltage losses and stability. Tomitigate issues associated with Ti PTL passivation and enhance charge transport, various noble metalcoatings, including Pt, Au, and Ir, have been explored. Ir coatings have shown to be the optimal solutiondue to their stability and catalytic activity. The review highlights surface modification techniques such asphysical vapor deposition, electroplating, and laser ablation, as well as the development of poroustransport electrodes (PTEs) and microporous layers (MPLs). These approaches aim to optimise theperformance of the electrolyser while minimising the noble metal usage. The findings underscore theimportance of material choice and surface nano/micro scale morphology of the interface in achievingcost‐effective and durable PEMWE systems.

Source: Current Opinion in Electrochemistry

DOI: 10.1016/j.coelec.2024.101624

Authors: Tereza Bautkinova, Martin Prokop, Tomas Bystron, Karel Bouzek

Language: English

Topic: Fuel Cells and Related Materials

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,520

Funder: Ministerstvo Školství, Mládeže a Tělovýchovy