Catalytic layer-membrane electrode assembly methods for optimum triple phase boundaries and fuel cell performances

The hybrid sulfur (HyS) thermochemical cycle has been considered as a promising approach for the massive production of clean hydrogen without CO 2 emissions. The key to advance this technology and to enhance the cycle efficiency is to improve the electrocatalytic oxidation of SO 2 , which is the pivotal reaction within this process. Hence, this paper investigates, for the first time, the effect of electrospray and air gun deposition techniques and the influence of very low Pt loadings (<0.3 mg Pt/cm 2 ) on catalyst durability and activity. The variation of electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) with the number of cycles demonstrates the significant impact of the electrode fabrication method and catalyst loading on the catalyst durability with considerable ECSA values for electrosprayed electrodes. Electrodes prepared with low platinum loadings (0.05 mg Pt/cm 2 ) exhibit elevated catalyst activity and stability under sulfuric acid conditions and maintain a crucial current density after 5 h of electrolysis. This work extends the understanding of the SO 2 -depolarized electrolysis (SDE) process and gives suggestions for further improvements in the catalyst layer fabrication, which provides potential support for the large-scale research and application of the HyS cycle.

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“…This improvement in cell performance was due to the enhanced mass transport and higher ECSA (better catalyst utilization). 44 …”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Electrospray Deposition of Catalyst Layers with Ultralow Pt Loading for Cost-Effective H₂ Production by SO₂ Electrolysis

Fouzaï

Radaoui

Díaz-Abad

et al. 2022

ACS Appl. Energy Mater.

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“…A wealth of review articles have been published to summarize the progress in the component and structure optimization of PEMFC electrodes in recent years. 19,[24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32] Especially, in a very recent review paper, Suter et al 26 comprehensively summarized and envisaged the design, materials, and methods for engineering the CL of PEMFCs. However, these reviews have mostly focused on structure-performance correlation, inadequately summarizing the mechanistic insights into the structural effects on the Pt utilization.…”

Section: Shengli Chenmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pt utilization in proton exchange membrane fuel cells: structure impacting factors and mechanistic insights

2022

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“…The complete working principle of an MEA consists of the following process: the oxidation reaction of H 2 at the anode catalyst layer (ACL) provides electrons to an external circuit and releases protons to the internal electrolyte, while the reduction reaction of O 2 at the cathode catalyst layer (CCL) receives electrons (from the external load) and protons (from the internal electrolyte). Both the CCL and ACL of an MEA are critical components of the system, because they represent energy conversion sites, where charge and mass transfer and the electrochemical reaction occur coinstantaneously [ 6 ]. The cost, performance, and durability of PEMFCs are closely dependent on the structure and morphology of CLs, which face several challenges, such as the coupling effects of corrosion in a strong acid environment, humidity stress, thermal shock stress, and mechanical stress during the service period [ 7 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Influence of Degassing Treatment on the Ink Properties and Performance of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Liu

Yang

et al. 2022

Membranes

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Degradation occurs in catalyst inks because of the catalytic oxidation of the solvent. Identification of the generation process of impurities and their effects on the properties of HSC ink and LSC ink is crucial in mitigating them. In this study, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) showed that oxidation of NPA and EA was the primary cause of impurities such as acetic acid, aldehyde, propionic acid, propanal, 1,1-dipropoxypropane, and propyl propionate. After the degassing treatment, the degradation of the HSC ink was suppressed, and the concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid, and propyl propionate plummeted from 0.0898 wt.%, 0.00224 wt.%, and 0.00046 wt.% to 0.0025 wt.%, 0.0126 wt.%, and 0.0003 wt.%, respectively. The smaller particle size and higher zeta potential in the degassed HSC ink indicated the higher utilization of Pt, thus leading to optimized mass transfer in the catalyst layer (CL) during working conditions. The electrochemical performance test result shows that the MEA fabricated from the degassed HSC ink had a peak power density of 0.84 W cm−2, which was 0.21 W cm−2 higher than that fabricated from the normal HSC ink. However, the introduction of propionic acid in the LSC ink caused the Marangoni flux to inhibit the coffee ring effect and promote the uniform deposition of the catalyst. The RDE tests indicated that the electrode deposited from the LSC ink with propionic acid possessed a mass activity of 84.4 mA∙mgPt−1, which was higher than the 60.5 mA∙mgPt−1 of the electrode deposited from the normal LSC ink.

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Catalytic layer-membrane electrode assembly methods for optimum triple phase boundaries and fuel cell performances

Abstract: Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC), designed mainly for mobility applications, converts chemical energy to electrical energy. The formation of electrodes for PEMFC is a delicate balancing of transport media....

Cited by 57 publications

References 170 publications

Electrospray Deposition of Catalyst Layers with Ultralow Pt Loading for Cost-Effective H₂ Production by SO₂ Electrolysis

Electrospray Deposition of Catalyst Layers with Ultralow Pt Loading for Cost-Effective H₂ Production by SO₂ Electrolysis

Pt utilization in proton exchange membrane fuel cells: structure impacting factors and mechanistic insights

Influence of Degassing Treatment on the Ink Properties and Performance of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

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Catalytic layer-membrane electrode assembly methods for optimum triple phase boundaries and fuel cell performances

Abstract: Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC), designed mainly for mobility applications, converts chemical energy to electrical energy. The formation of electrodes for PEMFC is a delicate balancing of transport media....

Cited by 57 publications

References 170 publications

Electrospray Deposition of Catalyst Layers with Ultralow Pt Loading for Cost-Effective H2 Production by SO2 Electrolysis

Electrospray Deposition of Catalyst Layers with Ultralow Pt Loading for Cost-Effective H2 Production by SO2 Electrolysis

Pt utilization in proton exchange membrane fuel cells: structure impacting factors and mechanistic insights

Influence of Degassing Treatment on the Ink Properties and Performance of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

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Product

Resources

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Electrospray Deposition of Catalyst Layers with Ultralow Pt Loading for Cost-Effective H₂ Production by SO₂ Electrolysis

Electrospray Deposition of Catalyst Layers with Ultralow Pt Loading for Cost-Effective H₂ Production by SO₂ Electrolysis