1
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Zhang T, Meng L, Chen C, Du L, Wang N, Xing L, Tang C, Hu J, Ye S. Similarities and Differences between Gas Diffusion Layers Used in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell and Water Electrolysis for Material and Mass Transport. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2309440. [PMID: 38889307 PMCID: PMC11348238 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and water electrolysis (PEMWE) are rapidly developing hydrogen energy conversion devices. Catalyst layers and membranes have been studied extensively and reviewed. However, few studies have compared gas diffusion layers (GDLs) in PEMWE and PEMFC. This review compares the differences and similarities between the GDLs of PEMWE and PEMFC in terms of their material and mass transport characteristics. First, the GDL materials are selected based on their working conditions. Carbon materials are prone to rapid corrosion because of the high anode potential of PEMWEs. Consequently, metal materials have emerged as the primary choice for GDLs. Second, the mutual counter-reactions of the two devices result in differences in mass transport limitations. In particular, water flooding and the effects of bubbles are major drawbacks of PEMFCs and PEMWE, respectively; well-designed structures can solve these problems. Imaging techniques and simulations can provide a better understanding of the effects of materials and structures on mass transfer. Finally, it is anticipated that this review will assist research on GDLs of PEMWE and PEMFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhang
- Huangpu Hydrogen Energy Innovation CenterSchool of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringGuangzhou UniversityGuangzhou510006China
| | - Ling Meng
- Huangpu Hydrogen Energy Innovation CenterSchool of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringGuangzhou UniversityGuangzhou510006China
| | - Chengcheng Chen
- China Electronic Product Reliability and Environmental Testing Research Institute (CEPREI)Guangzhou510610China
| | - Lei Du
- Huangpu Hydrogen Energy Innovation CenterSchool of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringGuangzhou UniversityGuangzhou510006China
| | - Ning Wang
- Huangpu Hydrogen Energy Innovation CenterSchool of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringGuangzhou UniversityGuangzhou510006China
| | - Lixing Xing
- Huangpu Hydrogen Energy Innovation CenterSchool of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringGuangzhou UniversityGuangzhou510006China
| | - Chunmei Tang
- Huangpu Hydrogen Energy Innovation CenterSchool of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringGuangzhou UniversityGuangzhou510006China
| | - Jian Hu
- School of Light Industry and EngineeringSouth China University of TechnologyGuangzhou510640China
| | - Siyu Ye
- Huangpu Hydrogen Energy Innovation CenterSchool of Chemistry and Chemical EngineeringGuangzhou UniversityGuangzhou510006China
- SinoHykey Technology Company, Ltd.Guangzhou510 760China
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Liu R, Huang J, Li J, Placidi E, Chen F, Zhu X, Liao Q. Capillary-Driven Separate Gas-Liquid Transport: Alleviating Mass Transport Losses for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:33336-33346. [PMID: 38907693 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c02524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Developing earth-abundant transition metal electrodes with high activity and durability is crucial for efficient and cost-effective hydrogen production. However, numerous studies in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) primarily focus on improving the inherent activity of catalysts, and the critical influence of gas-liquid countercurrent transport behavior is often overlooked. In this study, we introduce the concept of separate-path gas-liquid transport to alleviate mass transport losses for the HER by developing a novel hierarchical porous Ni-doped cobalt phosphide electrode (CoNix-P@Ni). The CoNix-P@Ni electrodes with abundant microvalleys and crack structures facilitate the gas-liquid cotransport by separating the bubble release and water supply paths. Visualization and numerical simulation results demonstrate that cracks primarily serve as water supply paths, with capillary pressure facilitating the transport of water from the cracks to the microvalleys. This process ensures the continuous wetting of electrolytes in the electrode, reduces hydrogen supersaturation near the active site, and increases hydrogen transport flux to the microvalleys for accelerating bubble growth. Additionally, the microvalleys act as preferential sites for bubble evolution, preventing bubble coverage on other active sites. By regulating the amount of nickel, the CoNi1-P@Ni electrode exhibited the smallest and densest microvalleys and cracks, achieving superior HER performance with an overpotential of 51 mV at 10 mA cm-2. The results offer a promising direction for constructing high-performance HER electrodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Run Liu
- Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
- Key Laboratory of Low-Grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
- Key Laboratory of Low-Grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Jun Li
- Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
- Key Laboratory of Low-Grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Ernesto Placidi
- Department of Physics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Fang Chen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, China
| | - Xun Zhu
- Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
- Key Laboratory of Low-Grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Qiang Liao
- Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
- Key Laboratory of Low-Grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, Chongqing University, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400044, China
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3
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Ding L, Li K, Wang W, Xie Z, Yu S, Yu H, Cullen DA, Keane A, Ayers K, Capuano CB, Liu F, Gao PX, Zhang FY. Amorphous Iridium Oxide-Integrated Anode Electrodes with Ultrahigh Material Utilization for Hydrogen Production at Industrial Current Densities. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2024; 16:203. [PMID: 38789605 PMCID: PMC11126398 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-024-01411-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Herein, ionomer-free amorphous iridium oxide (IrOx) thin electrodes are first developed as highly active anodes for proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cells (PEMECs) via low-cost, environmentally friendly, and easily scalable electrodeposition at room temperature. Combined with a Nafion 117 membrane, the IrOx-integrated electrode with an ultralow loading of 0.075 mg cm-2 delivers a high cell efficiency of about 90%, achieving more than 96% catalyst savings and 42-fold higher catalyst utilization compared to commercial catalyst-coated membrane (2 mg cm-2). Additionally, the IrOx electrode demonstrates superior performance, higher catalyst utilization and significantly simplified fabrication with easy scalability compared with the most previously reported anodes. Notably, the remarkable performance could be mainly due to the amorphous phase property, sufficient Ir3+ content, and rich surface hydroxide groups in catalysts. Overall, due to the high activity, high cell efficiency, an economical, greatly simplified and easily scalable fabrication process, and ultrahigh material utilization, the IrOx electrode shows great potential to be applied in industry and accelerates the commercialization of PEMECs and renewable energy evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Ding
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Kui Li
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Weitian Wang
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Zhiqiang Xie
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Shule Yu
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Haoran Yu
- Oak Ridge National Lab, Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
| | - David A Cullen
- Oak Ridge National Lab, Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
| | - Alex Keane
- Nel Hydrogen, Wallingford, CT, 06492, USA
| | | | | | - Fangyuan Liu
- Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Pu-Xian Gao
- Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Feng-Yuan Zhang
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA.
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4
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Bashkatov A, Park S, Demirkır Ç, Wood JA, Koper MTM, Lohse D, Krug D. Performance Enhancement of Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution through Coalescence-Induced Bubble Dynamics. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:10177-10186. [PMID: 38538570 PMCID: PMC11009962 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c02018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
The evolution of electrogenerated gas bubbles during water electrolysis can significantly hamper the overall process efficiency. Promoting the departure of electrochemically generated bubbles during (water) electrolysis is therefore beneficial. For a single bubble, a departure from the electrode surface occurs when buoyancy wins over the downward-acting forces (e.g., contact, Marangoni, and electric forces). In this work, the dynamics of a pair of H2 bubbles produced during the hydrogen evolution reaction in 0.5 M H2SO4 using a dual platinum microelectrode system is systematically studied by varying the electrode distance and the cathodic potential. By combining high-speed imaging and electrochemical analysis, we demonstrate the importance of bubble-bubble interactions in the departure process. We show that bubble coalescence may lead to substantially earlier bubble departure as compared to buoyancy effects alone, resulting in considerably higher reaction rates at a constant potential. However, due to continued mass input and conservation of momentum, repeated coalescence events with bubbles close to the electrode may drive departed bubbles back to the surface beyond a critical current, which increases with the electrode spacing. The latter leads to the resumption of bubble growth near the electrode surface, followed by buoyancy-driven departure. While less favorable at small electrode spacing, this configuration proves to be very beneficial at larger separations, increasing the mean current up to 2.4 times compared to a single electrode under the conditions explored in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandr Bashkatov
- Physics
of Fluids Group, Max Planck Center for Complex Fluid Dynamics and
J. M. Burgers Centre for Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, Enschede 7500 AE, Netherlands
| | - Sunghak Park
- Leiden
Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden 2333 CC, Netherlands
| | - Çayan Demirkır
- Physics
of Fluids Group, Max Planck Center for Complex Fluid Dynamics and
J. M. Burgers Centre for Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, Enschede 7500 AE, Netherlands
| | - Jeffery A. Wood
- Soft
Matter, Fluidics and Interfaces, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology,
J. M. Burgers Centre for Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, Enschede 7500 AE, Netherlands
| | - Marc T. M. Koper
- Leiden
Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden 2333 CC, Netherlands
| | - Detlef Lohse
- Physics
of Fluids Group, Max Planck Center for Complex Fluid Dynamics and
J. M. Burgers Centre for Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, Enschede 7500 AE, Netherlands
- Max
Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - Dominik Krug
- Physics
of Fluids Group, Max Planck Center for Complex Fluid Dynamics and
J. M. Burgers Centre for Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, Enschede 7500 AE, Netherlands
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5
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Liu RT, Xu ZL, Li FM, Chen FY, Yu JY, Yan Y, Chen Y, Xia BY. Recent advances in proton exchange membrane water electrolysis. Chem Soc Rev 2023; 52:5652-5683. [PMID: 37492961 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00681b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWEs) are an attractive technology for renewable energy conversion and storage. By using green electricity generated from renewable sources like wind or solar, high-purity hydrogen gas can be produced in PEMWE systems, which can be used in fuel cells and other industrial sectors. To date, significant advances have been achieved in improving the efficiency of PEMWEs through the design of stack components; however, challenges remain for their large-scale and long-term application due to high cost and durability issues in acidic conditions. In this review, we examine the latest developments in engineering PEMWE systems and assess the gap that still needs to be filled for their practical applications. We provide a comprehensive summary of the reaction mechanisms, the correlation among structure-composition-performance, manufacturing methods, system design strategies, and operation protocols of advanced PEMWEs. We also highlight the discrepancies between the critical parameters required for practical PEMWEs and those reported in the literature. Finally, we propose the potential solution to bridge the gap and enable the appreciable applications of PEMWEs. This review may provide valuable insights for research communities and industry practitioners working in these fields and facilitate the development of more cost-effective and durable PEMWE systems for a sustainable energy future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Ting Liu
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Ultraprecision Machining Technology, Research Institute of Advanced Manufacturing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Zheng-Long Xu
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Ultraprecision Machining Technology, Research Institute of Advanced Manufacturing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Fu-Min Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry and Service Failure, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), 1037 Luoyu Rd, Wuhan 430074, China.
| | - Fei-Yang Chen
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Ultraprecision Machining Technology, Research Institute of Advanced Manufacturing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Jing-Ya Yu
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Ultraprecision Machining Technology, Research Institute of Advanced Manufacturing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Ya Yan
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China.
| | - Yu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Science of Shaanxi Province, Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry (Ministry of Education), Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Advanced Energy Devices, Shaanxi Engineering Lab for Advanced Energy Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China.
| | - Bao Yu Xia
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die & Mould Technology, Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage (Ministry of Education), Hubei Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry and Service Failure, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), 1037 Luoyu Rd, Wuhan 430074, China.
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6
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Ding L, Wang W, Xie Z, Li K, Yu S, Capuano CB, Keane A, Ayers K, Zhang FY. Highly Porous Iridium Thin Electrodes with Low Loading and Improved Reaction Kinetics for Hydrogen Generation in PEM Electrolyzer Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:24284-24295. [PMID: 37167124 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c23304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Highly efficient electrodes with simplified fabrication and low cost are highly desired for the commercialization of proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cells (PEMECs). Herein, highly porous Ir-coated thin/tunable liquid/gas diffusion layers with honeycomb-structured catalyst layers were fabricated as anode electrodes for PEMECs via integrating a facile and fast electroplating process with efficient template removal. Combined with a Nafion 117 membrane, a low cell voltage of 1.842 V at 2000 mA/cm2 and a high mass activity of 4.16 A/mgIr at 1.7 V were achieved with a low Ir loading of 0.27 mg/cm2, outperforming most of the recently reported anode catalysts. Moreover, the thin electrode shows outstanding stability at a high current density of 1800 mA/cm2 in the practical PEMEC. Moreover, with in-situ high-speed visualizations in PEMECs, the catalyst layer structure's impact on real-time electrochemical reactions and mass transport phenomena was investigated for the first time. Increased active sites and improved multiphase transport properties with favorable bubble detachment and water diffusion for the honeycomb-structured electrode are revealed. Overall, the significantly simplified ionomer-free honeycomb thin electrode with low catalyst loading and remarkable performance could efficiently accelerate the industrial application of PEMECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Ding
- Nanodynamics and High-Efficiency Lab for Propulsion and Power, Department of Mechanical, Aerospace & Biomedical Engineering, UT Space Institute, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tullahoma, Tennessee 37388, United States
| | - Weitian Wang
- Nanodynamics and High-Efficiency Lab for Propulsion and Power, Department of Mechanical, Aerospace & Biomedical Engineering, UT Space Institute, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tullahoma, Tennessee 37388, United States
| | - Zhiqiang Xie
- Nanodynamics and High-Efficiency Lab for Propulsion and Power, Department of Mechanical, Aerospace & Biomedical Engineering, UT Space Institute, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tullahoma, Tennessee 37388, United States
| | - Kui Li
- Nanodynamics and High-Efficiency Lab for Propulsion and Power, Department of Mechanical, Aerospace & Biomedical Engineering, UT Space Institute, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tullahoma, Tennessee 37388, United States
| | - Shule Yu
- Nanodynamics and High-Efficiency Lab for Propulsion and Power, Department of Mechanical, Aerospace & Biomedical Engineering, UT Space Institute, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tullahoma, Tennessee 37388, United States
| | | | - Alex Keane
- Nel Hydrogen, Wallingford, Connecticut 06492, United States
| | - Kathy Ayers
- Nel Hydrogen, Wallingford, Connecticut 06492, United States
| | - Feng-Yuan Zhang
- Nanodynamics and High-Efficiency Lab for Propulsion and Power, Department of Mechanical, Aerospace & Biomedical Engineering, UT Space Institute, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tullahoma, Tennessee 37388, United States
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7
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Wang W, Ding L, Xie Z, Yu S, Canfield B, Bender G, Wrubel JA, Pivovar BS, Zhang FY. Discovering Reactant Supply Pathways at Electrode/PEM Reaction Interfaces Via a Tailored Interface-Visible Characterization Cell. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023:e2207809. [PMID: 37029458 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202207809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
In situ and micro-scale visualization of electrochemical reactions and multiphase transports on the interface of porous transport electrode (PTE) materials and solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) has been one of the greatest challenges for electrochemical energy conversion devices, such as proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cells (PEMECs), CO2 reduction electrolyzers, PEM fuel cells, etc. Here, an interface-visible characterization cell (IV-CC) is developed to in situ visualize micro-scaled and rapid electrochemical reactions and transports in PTE/SPE interfaces. Taking the PEMEC of a green hydrogen generator as a study case, the unanticipated local gas blockage, micro water droplets, and their evolution processes are successfully visualized on PTE/PEM interfaces in a practical PEMEC device, indicating the existence of unconventional reactant supply pathways in PEMs. Further comprehensive results reveal that PEM water supplies to reaction interfaces are significantly impacted with current densities. These results provide critical insights about the reaction interface optimization and mass transport enhancement in various electrochemical energy conversion devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weitian Wang
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace & Biomedical Engineering, UT Space Institute, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tullahoma, TN, 37388, USA
| | - Lei Ding
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace & Biomedical Engineering, UT Space Institute, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tullahoma, TN, 37388, USA
| | - Zhiqiang Xie
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace & Biomedical Engineering, UT Space Institute, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tullahoma, TN, 37388, USA
| | - Shule Yu
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace & Biomedical Engineering, UT Space Institute, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tullahoma, TN, 37388, USA
| | - Brian Canfield
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace & Biomedical Engineering, UT Space Institute, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tullahoma, TN, 37388, USA
| | - Guido Bender
- Chemistry & Nanoscience Department, National Renewable Energy Lab, Golden, CO, 80401, USA
| | - Jacob A Wrubel
- Chemistry & Nanoscience Department, National Renewable Energy Lab, Golden, CO, 80401, USA
| | - Bryan S Pivovar
- Chemistry & Nanoscience Department, National Renewable Energy Lab, Golden, CO, 80401, USA
| | - Feng-Yuan Zhang
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace & Biomedical Engineering, UT Space Institute, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tullahoma, TN, 37388, USA
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8
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Kim M, Lim H, Ko SH. Liquid Metal Patterning and Unique Properties for Next-Generation Soft Electronics. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2205795. [PMID: 36642850 PMCID: PMC9951389 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Room-temperature liquid metal (LM)-based electronics is expected to bring advancements in future soft electronics owing to its conductivity, conformability, stretchability, and biocompatibility. However, various difficulties arise when patterning LM because of its rheological features such as fluidity and surface tension. Numerous attempts are made to overcome these difficulties, resulting in various LM-patterning methods. An appropriate choice of patterning method based on comprehensive understanding is necessary to fully utilize the unique properties. Therefore, the authors aim to provide thorough knowledge about patterning methods and unique properties for LM-based future soft electronics. First, essential considerations for LM-patterning are investigated. Then, LM-patterning methods-serial-patterning, parallel-patterning, intermetallic bond-assisted patterning, and molding/microfluidic injection-are categorized and investigated. Finally, perspectives on LM-based soft electronics with unique properties are provided. They include outstanding features of LM such as conformability, biocompatibility, permeability, restorability, and recyclability. Also, they include perspectives on future LM-based soft electronics in various areas such as radio frequency electronics, soft robots, and heterogeneous catalyst. LM-based soft devices are expected to permeate the daily lives if patterning methods and the aforementioned features are analyzed and utilized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minwoo Kim
- Applied Nano and Thermal Science LabDepartment of Mechanical EngineeringSeoul National University1 Gwanak‐ro, Gwanak‐guSeoul08826South Korea
| | - Hyungjun Lim
- Applied Nano and Thermal Science LabDepartment of Mechanical EngineeringSeoul National University1 Gwanak‐ro, Gwanak‐guSeoul08826South Korea
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringPohang University of Science and Technology77 Chungam‐ro, Nam‐guPohang37673South Korea
| | - Seung Hwan Ko
- Applied Nano and Thermal Science LabDepartment of Mechanical EngineeringSeoul National University1 Gwanak‐ro, Gwanak‐guSeoul08826South Korea
- Institute of Advanced Machinery and Design/Institute of Engineering ResearchSeoul National University1 Gwanak‐ro, Gwanak‐guSeoul08826South Korea
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9
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Wuamprakhon P, Ferrari AGM, Crapnell RD, Pimlott JL, Rowley-Neale SJ, Davies TJ, Sawangphruk M, Banks CE. Exploring the Role of the Connection Length of Screen-Printed Electrodes towards the Hydrogen and Oxygen Evolution Reactions. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:1360. [PMID: 36772400 PMCID: PMC9920153 DOI: 10.3390/s23031360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Zero-emission hydrogen and oxygen production are critical for the UK to reach net-zero greenhouse gasses by 2050. Electrochemical techniques such as water splitting (electrolysis) coupled with renewables energy can provide a unique approach to achieving zero emissions. Many studies exploring electrocatalysts need to "electrically wire" to their material to measure their performance, which usually involves immobilization upon a solid electrode. We demonstrate that significant differences in the calculated onset potential for both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) can be observed when using screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) of differing connection lengths which are immobilized with a range of electrocatalysts. This can lead to false improvements in the reported performance of different electrocatalysts and poor comparisons between the literature. Through the use of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, uncompensated ohmic resistance can be overcome providing more accurate Tafel analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phatsawit Wuamprakhon
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
- Centre of Excellence for Energy Storage Technology (CEST), Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology, School of Energy Science and Engineering, Rayong 21210, Thailand
| | | | - Robert D. Crapnell
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
| | - Jessica L. Pimlott
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
| | - Samuel J. Rowley-Neale
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
| | - Trevor J. Davies
- INEOS Electrochemical Solutions, Bankes Lane Office, Bankes Lane, Runcorn, Cheshire WA7 4JE, UK
| | - Montree Sawangphruk
- Centre of Excellence for Energy Storage Technology (CEST), Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology, School of Energy Science and Engineering, Rayong 21210, Thailand
| | - Craig E. Banks
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
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10
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Dong S, Zhang C, Yue Z, Zhang F, Zhao H, Cheng Q, Wang G, Xu J, Chen C, Zou Z, Dou Z, Yang H. Overall Design of Anode with Gradient Ordered Structure with Low Iridium Loading for Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis. NANO LETTERS 2022; 22:9434-9440. [PMID: 36469749 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c03461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Insufficient catalyst utilization, limited mass transport, and high ohmic resistance of the conventional membrane electrode assembly (MEA) lead to significant performance losses of proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE). Herein we propose a novel ordered MEA based on anode with a 3D membrane/catalytic layer (CL) interface and gradient tapered arrays by the nanoimprinting method, confirmed by energy dispersive spectroscopy. Benefiting from the maximized triple-phase interface, rapid mass transport, and gradient CL by overall design, such an ordered structure with Ir loading of 0.2 mg cm-2 not only greatly increases the electrochemical active area by 4.2 times but also decreases the overpotentials of both mass transport and ohmic polarization by 13.9% and 8.7%, respectively, compared with conventional MEA with an Ir loading of 2 mg cm-2, thus ensuring a superior performance (1.801 V at 2 A cm-2) and good stability. This work provides a new strategy of designing MEA for high-performance PEMWE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Dong
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- Key Laboratory of Low-Carbon Conversion Science & Engineering, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Chunyan Zhang
- State Grid Shanghai Municipal Electric Power Company, Shanghai 200023, China
| | - Zhouying Yue
- Key Laboratory of Low-Carbon Conversion Science & Engineering, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Fengru Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Low-Carbon Conversion Science & Engineering, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Hao Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Low-Carbon Conversion Science & Engineering, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Qingqing Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Low-Carbon Conversion Science & Engineering, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Guoliang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Low-Carbon Conversion Science & Engineering, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Jianfeng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Low-Carbon Conversion Science & Engineering, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Chi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Low-Carbon Conversion Science & Engineering, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Zhiqing Zou
- Key Laboratory of Low-Carbon Conversion Science & Engineering, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Zhenlan Dou
- State Grid Shanghai Municipal Electric Power Company, Shanghai 200023, China
| | - Hui Yang
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- Key Laboratory of Low-Carbon Conversion Science & Engineering, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
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11
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Kang Z, Fan Z, Zhang F, Zhang Z, Tian C, Wang W, Li J, Shen Y, Tian X. Studying Performance and Kinetic Differences between Various Anode Electrodes in Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis Cell. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 15:7209. [PMID: 36295277 PMCID: PMC9607557 DOI: 10.3390/ma15207209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The electrode, as one of the most critical components in a proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) cell for hydrogen production, has a significant impact on cell performance. Electrodes that are fabricated via various techniques may exhibit different morphologies or properties, which might change the kinetics and resistances of the PEMWE. In this study, we have successfully fabricated several electrodes by different techniques, and the effects of electrode coating methods (ultrasonic spray, blade coating, and rod coating), hot press, and decal transfer processes are comprehensively investigated. The performance differences between various electrodes are due to kinetic or high frequency resistance changes, while the influences are not significant, with the biggest deviation of about 26 mV at 2.0 A cm-2. In addition, the effects of catalyst ink compositions, including ionomer to catalyst ratio (0.1 to 0.3), water to alcohol ratio (1:1 to 3:1), and catalyst weight percentage (10% to 30%), are also studied, and the electrodes' performance variations are less than 10 mV at 2.0 A cm-2. The results show that the PEMWE electrode has superior compatibility and redundancy, which demonstrates the high flexibility of the electrode and its applicability for large-scale manufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenye Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan Provincial Key Lab of Fine Chemistry, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Zihao Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan Provincial Key Lab of Fine Chemistry, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Hainan New Energy Investment Co., Ltd., State Power Investment Corporation, Limited (Hainan), Haikou 570100, China
| | - Zhenyu Zhang
- Hainan New Energy Investment Co., Ltd., State Power Investment Corporation, Limited (Hainan), Haikou 570100, China
| | - Chao Tian
- Hainan New Energy Investment Co., Ltd., State Power Investment Corporation, Limited (Hainan), Haikou 570100, China
| | - Weina Wang
- Hainan New Energy Investment Co., Ltd., State Power Investment Corporation, Limited (Hainan), Haikou 570100, China
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan Provincial Key Lab of Fine Chemistry, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Yijun Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan Provincial Key Lab of Fine Chemistry, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Xinlong Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan Provincial Key Lab of Fine Chemistry, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
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12
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Singh TI, Maibam A, Cha DC, Yoo S, Babarao R, Lee SU, Lee S. High-Alkaline Water-Splitting Activity of Mesoporous 3D Heterostructures: An Amorphous-Shell@Crystalline-Core Nano-Assembly of Co-Ni-Phosphate Ultrathin-Nanosheets and V- Doped Cobalt-Nitride Nanowires. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2201311. [PMID: 35666047 PMCID: PMC9376825 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202201311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Introducing amorphous and ultrathin nanosheets of transition bimetal phosphate arrays that are highly active in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) as shells over an electronically modulated crystalline core with low hydrogen absorption energy for an excellent hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) can boost the sluggish kinetics of the OER and HER in alkaline electrolytes. Therefore, in this study, ultrathin and amorphous cobalt-nickel-phosphate (CoNiPOx ) nanosheet arrays are deposited over vanadium (V)-doped cobalt-nitride (V3% -Co4 N) crystalline core nanowires to obtain amorphous-shell@crystalline-core mesoporous 3D-heterostructures (CoNiPOx @V-Co4 N/NF) as bifunctional electrocatalysts. The optimized electrocatalyst shows extremely low HER and OER overpotentials of 53 and 270 mV at 10 mA cm-2 , respectively. The CoNiPOx @V3% -Co4 N/NF (+/-) electrolyzer utilizing the electrocatalyst as both anode and cathode demonstrates remarkable overall water-splitting activity, requiring a cell potential of only 1.52 V at 10 mA cm-2 , 30 mV lower than that of the RuO2 /NF (+)/20%-Pt/C/NF (-) electrolyzer. Such impressive bifunctional activities can be attributed to abundant active sites, adjusted electronic structure, lower charge-transfer resistance, enhanced electrochemically active surface area (ECSA), and surface- and volume-confined electrocatalysis resulting from the synergistic effects of the crystalline V3% -Co4 N core and amorphous CoNiPOx shells boosting water splitting in alkaline media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thangjam Ibomcha Singh
- Department of Chemical and Molecular EngineeringHanyang University ERICAAnsan15588Republic of Korea
- Center for Bionano Intelligence Education and ResearchHanyang University ERICAAnsan15588Republic of Korea
| | - Ashakiran Maibam
- School of ScienceRMIT UniversityMelbourneVictoria3001Australia
- Physical and Materials DivisionCSIR‐National Chemical LaboratoryPune411 008India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative ResearchCSIR‐Human Resource Development Centre (CSIR‐HRDC) CampusPostal Staff College AreaGhaziabadUttar Pradesh201002India
| | - Dun Chan Cha
- Center for Bionano Intelligence Education and ResearchHanyang University ERICAAnsan15588Republic of Korea
- Department of Applied ChemistryHanyang University ERICAAnsan15588Republic of Korea
| | - Sunghoon Yoo
- Department of Chemical and Molecular EngineeringHanyang University ERICAAnsan15588Republic of Korea
- Department of Applied ChemistryHanyang University ERICAAnsan15588Republic of Korea
| | - Ravichandar Babarao
- School of ScienceRMIT UniversityMelbourneVictoria3001Australia
- ManufacturingCSIRONormanby RoadVictoriaClayton3168Australia
| | - Sang Uck Lee
- Department of Chemical and Molecular EngineeringHanyang University ERICAAnsan15588Republic of Korea
- Center for Bionano Intelligence Education and ResearchHanyang University ERICAAnsan15588Republic of Korea
- Department of Applied ChemistryHanyang University ERICAAnsan15588Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghyun Lee
- Department of Chemical and Molecular EngineeringHanyang University ERICAAnsan15588Republic of Korea
- Center for Bionano Intelligence Education and ResearchHanyang University ERICAAnsan15588Republic of Korea
- Department of Applied ChemistryHanyang University ERICAAnsan15588Republic of Korea
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13
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Kang Z, Schuler T, Chen Y, Wang M, Zhang FY, Bender G. Effects of interfacial contact under different operating conditions in proton exchange membrane water electrolysis. Electrochim Acta 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2022.140942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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14
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Liu H, Tao HB, Liu B. Kinetic Insights of Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzer Obtained by Operando Characterization Methods. J Phys Chem Lett 2022; 13:6520-6531. [PMID: 35822838 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.2c01341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Benefiting from the merits of short response time, high current density, and differential pressure, the proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer (PEMWE) is attracting increasing attention from both academic and industry researchers. A limiting factor that impedes the widespread application of the PEMWE is its reliance on the rarest elements, such as iridium and platinum. In order to optimize the device performance as well as to reduce the usage of rare elements, it is important but difficult to directly observe the reaction within the electrolyzer under working conditions. Thus, operando characterization methods are urgently needed to probe in real time the water electrolysis process during operation. In this perspective, we highlight the important role and summarize the recent advances of operando characterization methods in obtaining kinetic insights about PEMWEs. Based on the demands of kinetic optimization, an outlook of future characterization methods is given at the end.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
- Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Hua Bing Tao
- State Key Laboratory for Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
- Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Bin Liu
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 62 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637459, Singapore
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