The
durability of alkaline anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzers
is a critical requirement for implementing this technology in cost-effective
hydrogen production. Here, we report that the electrochemical oxidation
of the adsorbed phenyl group (found in the ionomer) on oxygen evolution
catalysts produces phenol, which may cause performance deterioration
in AEM electrolyzers. In-line 1H NMR kinetic analyses of
phenyl oxidation in a model organic cation electrolyte shows that
catalyst type significantly impacts the phenyl oxidation rate at an
oxygen evolution potential. Density functional theory calculations
show that the phenyl adsorption is a critical factor determining the
phenyl oxidation. This research provides a path for the development
of more durable AEM electrolyzers with components that can minimize
the adverse impact induced by the phenyl group oxidation, such as
the development of novel ionomers with fewer phenyl moieties or catalysts
with less phenyl-adsorbing character.