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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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Sangtam BT, Park H. Review on Bubble Dynamics in Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis: Towards Optimal Green Hydrogen Yield. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:2234. [PMID: 38138403 PMCID: PMC10745635 DOI: 10.3390/mi14122234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Water electrolysis using a proton exchange membrane (PEM) holds substantial promise to produce green hydrogen with zero carbon discharge. Although various techniques are available to produce hydrogen gas, the water electrolysis process tends to be more cost-effective with greater advantages for energy storage devices. However, one of the challenges associated with PEM water electrolysis is the accumulation of gas bubbles, which can impair cell performance and result in lower hydrogen output. Achieving an in-depth knowledge of bubble dynamics during electrolysis is essential for optimal cell performance. This review paper discusses bubble behaviors, measuring techniques, and other aspects of bubble dynamics in PEM water electrolysis. It also examines bubble behavior under different operating conditions, as well as the system geometry. The current review paper will further improve the understanding of bubble dynamics in PEM water electrolysis, facilitating more competent, inexpensive, and feasible green hydrogen production.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hanwook Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Soonchunhyang University, 22 Soonchunhyang-ro, Asan 31538, Chungnam, Republic of Korea;
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