Effect of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) on low-iridium catalyst layer for proton exchange membrane water electrolysis

Sun, Yujiao1; Zhang, Xiuping1; Wang, Cong1; Bai, Xiaofang1; Fan, Li1; Fan, Jiantao1,2; Xu, Shaoyi1,2; Li, Hui1,3,4

2023-12-01

10.1016/j.jpowsour.2023.233678

JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES   Impact Factor & Quartile

0378-7753

1873-2755

Reducing iridium loading in membrane electrode assembly (MEA) without sacrificing electrochemical performance plays a critical role in lowering the cost of proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers. However, low Ir loading often results in insufficient percolation of IrO2 particles and high interfacial resistance between the catalyst layer and the porous transport layer, causing reduced electrochemical performance and long-term durability issues. Herein, a MEA incorporating the conductive polymers of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) as a binder and dispersant is investigated under 0.3 mgIr cm(-2) loading. The zeta potential and morphological experiments confirm that the incorporation of PEDOT:PSS to the catalyst ink can improve the ink stability, reduce the catalyst particle size and create more pores in the catalyst layer. The MEA using a 1:1 ratio of PEDOT:PSS to Nafion achieves an enhanced current density of 1.68 V@1.0 A cm(-2) at 80 C-degrees (vs. a MEA using Nafion only, 1.75 V@1.0 A cm(-2)). The Raman results indicate that the PEDOT in the presence of Nafion exhibits a more conductive quinoid resonance structure than PEDOT. In situ durability testing of the MEA for over 800 h demonstrates a degradation rate of 48.7 mu V h-1 at 1.0 A cm(-2) and 80 C-degrees.

Proton exchange membrane water electrolysis Anode catalyst layer Low iridium loading PEDOT:PSS Triple-phase boundaries

SCI

English

First ; Corresponding

National Key Research and Development Program of China[2021YFB4000200] ; Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation[2022A1515011917] ; Shenzhen Fundamental Research Programs[JCYJ2020010914121 6566] ; National Natural Science Foundation of China[2210 9065]

Chemistry ; Electrochemistry ; Energy & Fuels ; Materials Science

Chemistry, Physical ; Electrochemistry ; Energy & Fuels ; Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

WOS:001090733000001

ELSEVIER

MATERIALS SCIENCE

Web of Science

1.Southern Univ Sci & Technol, Dept Mat Sci & Engn, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, Peoples R China
2.Southern Univ Sci & Technol, Acad Adv Interdisciplinary Studies, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, Peoples R China
3.Southern Univ Sci & Technol, Shenzhen Key Lab Hydrogen Energy, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, Peoples R China
4.Southern Univ Sci & Technol, Key Univ Lab Highly Efficient Utilizat Solar Energ, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, Peoples R China

Sun, Yujiao,Zhang, Xiuping,Wang, Cong,et al. Effect of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) on low-iridium catalyst layer for proton exchange membrane water electrolysis[J]. JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES,2023,586.

Sun, Yujiao.,Zhang, Xiuping.,Wang, Cong.,Bai, Xiaofang.,Fan, Li.,...&Li, Hui.(2023).Effect of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) on low-iridium catalyst layer for proton exchange membrane water electrolysis.JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES,586.

Sun, Yujiao,et al."Effect of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) on low-iridium catalyst layer for proton exchange membrane water electrolysis".JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES 586(2023).