Development and testing of a novel catalyst-coated membrane with platinum-free catalysts for alkaline water electrolysis

Abstract

A stable, non-platinum-catalyst-coated anion-exchange membrane with a promising performance for alkaline water electrolysis as an energy conversion technology is prepared and tested. Hot plate spraying technique is used to deposit electrodes on surface of the anion selective polymer electrolyte membrane in the thicknesses of 35 and 120 m corresponding to the catalyst load of 2.5 and 10 mg cm -2 . The platinum free catalysts based on NiCo2O4 for anode and NiFe2O4 for cathode were used together with anion selective polymer binder in the catalyst/binder ratio equal to 9:1. The performance of the prepared membrane electrode assembly is verified under the conditions of the alkaline water electrolysis using different concentrations of the liquid electrolyte ranging from 1 to 15 wt.% KOH. The electrolyser performance is compared to the cell utilising the catalyst coated Ni foam as electrodes. The prepared membrane-electrode assembly stability at a current load of 250 mA cm -2 is verified by an electrolysis test lasting for 72 hours. Results of the experiments provided indicate a possibility of the significant catalyst loading reduction when compared to the catalyst coated electrode approach.

Green hydrogen from anion exchange membrane water electrolysis: a review of recent developments in critical materials and operating conditions

“…The most commonly applied method of CCM-MEA preparation is spray coating of a catalyst ink onto the surface of the polymer anion-selective membrane. [131][132][133][134][135][136] Recently, Ito et al compared the performance of CCM-MEAs prepared by spraying and doctor blade method. Better results were achieved using the spraying technique.…”

“…Dilute carbonate or bicarbonate solutions have a mildly alkaline pH (10-12) that retains sufficient ionic conductivity. V using the CCM 57,59,106,107,114,116,[131][132][133][134][135][136][139][140][141] or CCS 22,54,55,95,[101][102][103][104]108,109,[111][112][113]115,[117][118][119][120][121][122][123][124][126][127][128][129]142,143 method of MEA construction. Additionally, such conditions should provide enhanced stability of cell materials as well as the polymeric AEM/binders.…”

“…In AEM electrolysis cells the liquid electrolyte may be circulated through (i) both anode and cathode compartment; 59,126,131,134,161 (ii) anode compartment only 54,55,113,116,117,122,143 and (iii) cathode compartment only. 111,112 A special case involves feeding of both compartments with streams of different composition.…”

Direct Formation of Metal Layer on Anion Exchange Membrane Using Electroless Deposition Process

“…One of the effective ways to implement the AEM into the device is the direct preparation of electrode materials for the electrolysis reaction on the AEM. 11,12 Our previous studies proposed the fabrication process of AEM with the electrode attached on, by using the ionomer. It turned out that the electrode-covered AEM provided good cell performance because it lowers a resistance between the AEM and electrode.…”

Design of Monovalent Ion Selective Membranes for Reducing the Impacts of Multivalent Ions in Reverse Electrodialysis

“…Apart from RED, highly selective and conductive membranes are required in other electrochemical energy systems, such as fuel cells [71][72][73][74], water electrolyzers [75][76][77], alkaline batteries [78,79], and flow batteries [80,81]. Design strategies and base materials envisaged for the monovalent selective membranes in the present work can be systematically incorporated for applications in these technologies.…”