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The electrochemical performance of LiFePO 4 /C composites in lithium cells is closely correlated to pressed pellet conductivities measured by AC impedance methods. These composite conductivities are a strong function not only of the amount of carbon, but of its structure and distribution. Ideally, the amount of carbon in composites should be minimal (less than about 2 wt. %) so as not to decrease the energy density unduly. This is particularly important for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle applications (PHEVs) where both high power and moderate energy density are required. Optimization of the carbon structure, particularly the sp 2 /sp 3 and D/G (disordered/graphene) ratios, improves the electronic conductivity while minimizing the carbon amount. Manipulation of the carbon structure can be achieved via the use of synthetic additives including iron-containing graphitization catalysts. Additionally, combustion synthesis techniques allow co-synthesis of LiFePO 4 and carbon fibers or nanotubes, which can act as "nanowires" for the conduction of current during cell operation.

Iridium-based particles, regarded as the most promising proton exchange membrane electrolyzer electrocatalysts, were investigated by transmission electron microscopy and by coupling of an electrochemical flow cell (EFC) with online inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Additionally, studies using a thin-film rotating disc electrode, identical location transmission and scanning electron microscopy, as well as X-ray absorption spectroscopy have been performed. Extremely sensitive online time-and potential-resolved electrochemical dissolution profiles revealed that Ir particles dissolve well below oxygen evolution reaction (OER) potentials, presumably induced by Ir surface oxidation and reduction processes, also referred to as transient dissolution. Overall, thermally prepared rutile-type IrO particles are substantially more stable and less active in comparison to as-prepared metallic and electrochemically pretreated (E-Ir) analogues. Interestingly, under OER-relevant conditions, E-Ir particles exhibit superior stability and activity owing to the altered corrosion mechanism, where the formation of unstable Ir(>IV) species is hindered. Due to the enhanced and lasting OER performance, electrochemically pre-oxidized E-Ir particles may be considered as the electrocatalyst of choice for an improved low-temperature electrochemical hydrogen production device, namely a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer.

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