Corrosion of structural components of proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer anodes: A review

Prestat, Michel

doi:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2022.232469

“…With time, however, the oxide layer on the surface has been found to grow, which increases the contact resistance. This oxidation could presumably be accelerated in the presence of radicals [92] …”

Section: Influence Of Iron On the Individual Cell Componentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of Iron Species on Low Temperature CO₂ Electrolyzers

Staerz

¹

,

Leeuwen

²

,

Priamushko

³

et al. 2023

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Electrochemical energy conversion devices are considered key in reducing CO2 emissions and significant efforts are being applied to accelerate device development. Unlike other technologies, low temperature electrolyzers have the ability to directly convert CO2 into a range of value‐added chemicals. To make them commercially viable, however, device efficiency and durability must be increased. Although their design is similar to more mature water electrolyzers and fuel cells, new cell concepts and components are needed. Due to the complexity of the system, singular component optimization is common. As a result, the component interplay is often overlooked. The influence of Fe‐species clearly shows that the cell must be considered holistically during optimization, to avoid future issues due to component interference or cross‐contamination. Fe‐impurities are ubiquitous, and their influence on single components is well‐researched. The activity of non‐noble anodes has been increased through the deliberate addition of iron. At the same time, however, Fe‐species accelerate cathode and membrane degradation. Here, we interpret literature on single components to gain an understanding of how Fe‐species influence low temperature CO2 electrolyzers holistically. The role of Fe‐species serves to highlight the need for considerations regarding component interplay in general.

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“…Über die Zeit oxidiert die Titanoberfläche, was zu einer Erhöhung vom Kontaktwiderstand führt. Es ist wahrscheinlich, dass sich die Oxidationsrate mit der Radikalbildung erhöht [92] …”

Section: Einfluss Von Eisen Auf Den Einzelne Zellkomponentenunclassified

Einfluss von Eisenionen auf die Niedertemperatur CO₂ Elektrolyse

Staerz

¹

,

Leeuwen

²

,

Priamushko

³

et al. 2023

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Electrochemical energy conversion devices are considered key in reducing CO2 emissions and significant efforts are being applied to accelerate device development. Unlike other technologies, low temperature electrolyzers have the ability to directly convert CO2 into a range of value‐added chemicals. To make them commercially viable, however, device efficiency and durability must be increased. Although their design is similar to more mature water electrolyzers and fuel cells, new cell concepts and components are needed. Due to the complexity of the system, singular component optimization is common. As a result, the component interplay is often overlooked. The influence of Fe‐species clearly shows that the cell must be considered holistically during optimization, to avoid future issues due to component interference or cross‐contamination. Fe‐impurities are ubiquitous, and their influence on single components is well‐researched. The activity of non‐noble anodes has been increased through the deliberate addition of iron. At the same time, however, Fe‐species accelerate cathode and membrane degradation. Here, we interpret literature on single components to gain an understanding of how Fe‐species influence low temperature CO2 electrolyzers holistically. The role of Fe‐species serves to highlight the need for considerations regarding component interplay in general.

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“…18 A recent review has also suggested that the local pH within a PEM electrolyzer may change after several hours of operation, contributing to corrosion of the bipolar plates. 19 Developing an understanding for the pH and how it changes within the electrolyzer, while beyond the scope of this work, would be a beneficial contribution to overall understanding and optimization of PEM electrolyzer performance and lifetime.…”

Section: Model Descriptionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Modeling Contact Resistance and Water Transport within a Cathode Liquid-Fed Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyzer

Gerhardt,

Østenstad,

Barnett

et al. 2023

J. Electrochem. Soc.

0

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Conventional proton-exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolyzers use thicker membranes (>175 μm) than their PEM fuel cell counterparts (<25 μm), which reduces hydrogen crossover but also reduces electrolyzer efficiency due to the increased resistance. Reduction of hydrogen crossover is critical in conventional systems to avoid buildup of hydrogen in the anode above the lower flammability limit. New concepts for operating PEM water electrolyzers are emerging, such as the patented concept involving liquid water supply at the cathode while operating the anode with air, which reduces the safety concern related to hydrogen crossover using thin membranes. Experimental work has demonstrated the viability of this approach, but open questions remain regarding the interplay between water transport, water consumption, and cell performance, as well as identifying the components and material properties that enable high performance. In this work, a physics-based computational model of a cathode-fed PEM water electrolyzer was developed. The model highlights the importance of limiting contact resistance and explores the effect of cell compression on non-uniformity of current distributions. Sensitivity studies found that membranes up to 50 μm thick can be used without significant water transport limitations.

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Corrosion of structural components of proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer anodes: A review

Cited by 24 publications

References 110 publications

Effects of Iron Species on Low Temperature CO₂ Electrolyzers

Effects of Iron Species on Low Temperature CO₂ Electrolyzers

Einfluss von Eisenionen auf die Niedertemperatur CO₂ Elektrolyse

Modeling Contact Resistance and Water Transport within a Cathode Liquid-Fed Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyzer

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Corrosion of structural components of proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer anodes: A review

Cited by 24 publications

References 110 publications

Effects of Iron Species on Low Temperature CO2 Electrolyzers

Effects of Iron Species on Low Temperature CO2 Electrolyzers

Einfluss von Eisenionen auf die Niedertemperatur CO2 Elektrolyse

Modeling Contact Resistance and Water Transport within a Cathode Liquid-Fed Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyzer

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About

Effects of Iron Species on Low Temperature CO₂ Electrolyzers

Effects of Iron Species on Low Temperature CO₂ Electrolyzers

Einfluss von Eisenionen auf die Niedertemperatur CO₂ Elektrolyse