1
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Li F, Wang H, Wang G, Ding M, Ma Q, Xu H, Jin Z. Novel Water-Splitting Electrolyzer Design Incorporating a Gas Diffusion Electrode and a Gel Membrane for Highly Efficient Hydrogen Production. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024. [PMID: 39078415 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c02126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Advancements in cost-effective, high-performance alkaline water-splitting systems are crucial for the hydrogen industry. While the significance of electrode material design has been widely acknowledged, the practical implementation of these advancements remains challenging. In this study, we focused on the holistic design of the electrolysis system and successfully developed a novel alkaline water-splitting electrolyzer. The unique configuration of our electrolyzer allows the designed NiFe-LDH/carbon cloth gas diffusion anode to interact solely with the PVA-based gel membrane and air, enabling the direct discharge of oxygen into the gas phase. This innovative feature accelerates anode bubble overflow, reduces gas interference, and decreases the system impedance by minimizing electrode spacing. As a result, by utilizing the NiFeSn-alloy/nickel mesh cathode, our electrolyzer achieves a high current density of 308 mA cm-2 at a cell voltage of 2.0 V and demonstrates exceptional stability over 1000 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fajun Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Mesoscopic Chemistry, MOE Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Spin Electron and Nanomaterials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Suzhou University Suzhou 234000, PR China
| | - Huaizhu Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Mesoscopic Chemistry, MOE Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Guizhi Wang
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Spin Electron and Nanomaterials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Suzhou University Suzhou 234000, PR China
| | - Min Ding
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Spin Electron and Nanomaterials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Suzhou University Suzhou 234000, PR China
| | - Qihui Ma
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Spin Electron and Nanomaterials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Suzhou University Suzhou 234000, PR China
| | - Haifeng Xu
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Spin Electron and Nanomaterials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Suzhou University Suzhou 234000, PR China
| | - Zhong Jin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Mesoscopic Chemistry, MOE Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Organic Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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2
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Xu H, Zhang J, Eikerling M, Huang J. Pure Water Splitting Driven by Overlapping Electric Double Layers. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:19720-19727. [PMID: 38985952 PMCID: PMC11273347 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c01070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
In pursuit of a sustainable future powered by renewable energy, hydrogen production through water splitting should achieve high energy efficiency with economical materials. Here, we present a nanofluidic electrolyzer that leverages overlapping cathode and anode electric double layers (EDLs) to drive the splitting of pure water. Convective flow is introduced between the nanogap electrodes to suppress the crossover of generated gases. The strong electric field within the overlapping EDLs enhances ion migration and facilitates the dissociation of water molecules. Acidic and basic environments, which are created in situ at the cathode and anode, respectively, enable the use of nonprecious metal catalysts. All these merits allow the reactor to exhibit a current density of 2.8 A·cm-2 at 1.7 V with a nickel anode. This paves the way toward a new type of water electrolyzer that needs no membrane, no supporting electrolyte, and no precious metal catalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haosen Xu
- School
of Vehicle and Mobility, State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Green
Vehicle and Mobility, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China
- IEK-13,
Institute of Energy and Climate Research, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Jianbo Zhang
- School
of Vehicle and Mobility, State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Green
Vehicle and Mobility, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China
| | - Michael Eikerling
- IEK-13,
Institute of Energy and Climate Research, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Chair
of Theory and Computation of Energy Materials, Faculty of Georesources
and Materials Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Jun Huang
- IEK-13,
Institute of Energy and Climate Research, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Theory
of Electrocatalytic Interfaces, Faculty of Georesources and Materials
Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
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3
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Sasmal S, Chen L, Sarma PV, Vulpin OT, Simons CR, Wells KM, Spontak RJ, Boettcher SW. Materials descriptors for advanced water dissociation catalysts in bipolar membranes. NATURE MATERIALS 2024:10.1038/s41563-024-01943-8. [PMID: 38951650 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-024-01943-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
The voltage penalty driving water dissociation (WD) at high current density is a major obstacle in the commercialization of bipolar membrane (BPM) technology for energy devices. Here we show that three materials descriptors, that is, electrical conductivity, microscopic surface area and (nominal) surface-hydroxyl coverage, effectively control the kinetics of WD in BPMs. Using these descriptors and optimizing mass loading, we design new earth-abundant WD catalysts based on nanoparticle SnO2 synthesized at low temperature with high conductivity and hydroxyl coverage. These catalysts exhibit exceptional performance in a BPM electrolyser with low WD overvoltage (ηwd) of 100 ± 20 mV at 1.0 A cm-2. The new catalyst works equivalently well with hydrocarbon proton-exchange layers as it does with fluorocarbon-based Nafion, thus providing pathways to commercializing advanced BPMs for a broad array of electrolysis, fuel-cell and electrodialysis applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayantan Sasmal
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Oregon Center for Electrochemistry, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
| | - Lihaokun Chen
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Oregon Center for Electrochemistry, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering and Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Energy Storage and Distributed Resources Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Prasad V Sarma
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Oregon Center for Electrochemistry, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
| | - Olivia T Vulpin
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Oregon Center for Electrochemistry, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
| | - Casey R Simons
- Center for Materials Characterization in Oregon, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA
| | - Kacie M Wells
- Fiber and Polymer Science Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Richard J Spontak
- Departments of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering and Materials Science & Engineering and Department of Materials Science & Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Shannon W Boettcher
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Oregon Center for Electrochemistry, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA.
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering and Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Energy Storage and Distributed Resources Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA.
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4
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Park EJ, Jannasch P, Miyatake K, Bae C, Noonan K, Fujimoto C, Holdcroft S, Varcoe JR, Henkensmeier D, Guiver MD, Kim YS. Aryl ether-free polymer electrolytes for electrochemical and energy devices. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:5704-5780. [PMID: 38666439 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00186e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Anion exchange polymers (AEPs) play a crucial role in green hydrogen production through anion exchange membrane water electrolysis. The chemical stability of AEPs is paramount for stable system operation in electrolysers and other electrochemical devices. Given the instability of aryl ether-containing AEPs under high pH conditions, recent research has focused on quaternized aryl ether-free variants. The primary goal of this review is to provide a greater depth of knowledge on the synthesis of aryl ether-free AEPs targeted for electrochemical devices. Synthetic pathways that yield polyaromatic AEPs include acid-catalysed polyhydroxyalkylation, metal-promoted coupling reactions, ionene synthesis via nucleophilic substitution, alkylation of polybenzimidazole, and Diels-Alder polymerization. Polyolefinic AEPs are prepared through addition polymerization, ring-opening metathesis, radiation grafting reactions, and anionic polymerization. Discussions cover structure-property-performance relationships of AEPs in fuel cells, redox flow batteries, and water and CO2 electrolysers, along with the current status of scale-up synthesis and commercialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Joo Park
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA.
| | | | - Kenji Miyatake
- University of Yamanashi, Kofu 400-8510, Japan
- Waseda University, Tokyo 169-8555, Japan
| | - Chulsung Bae
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA
| | - Kevin Noonan
- Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Cy Fujimoto
- Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM 87123, USA
| | | | | | - Dirk Henkensmeier
- Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, South Korea
- KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, South Korea
- KU-KIST School, Korea University, Seoul 02841, South Korea
| | - Michael D Guiver
- State Key Laboratory of Engines, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
| | - Yu Seung Kim
- Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA.
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5
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Higashi T, Seki K, Nandal V, Pihosh Y, Nakabayashi M, Shibata N, Domen K. Understanding the Activation Mechanism of RhCrO x Cocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution with Nanoparticulate Electrodes. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:26325-26339. [PMID: 38716494 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c04841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Mixed oxides of Rh-Cr (RhCrOx), containing Rh3+ and Cr3+ cations, are commonly used as cocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) on particulate photocatalysts. The precise physicochemical mechanisms of the HER at the catalytic sites of these oxides are not well understood. In this study, model cocatalyst electrodes, composed of nanoparticulate RhCrOx, were fabricated to investigate the physicochemical mechanisms of the HER. Electroanalytical and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic measurements revealed that nanoparticulate RhCrOx produces reduced Rh (Rh0) species by maintaining an electrode potential more negative than 0.03 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (VRHE). This results in significant enhancement of the HER activity. The catalytic activity for the HER stems from the reduced Rh species, and the inclusion of Cr3+ (CrOx) aided in the electron transfer process at the solid/liquid interface, resulting in a higher current density during the HER. To achieve a solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of over 3%, the conduction band minimum of the particulate photocatalyst should be positioned more negatively than -0.10 VRHE. Moreover, the formation of electron trap states at potentials more positive than 0.03 VRHE should be avoided. This study highlights the importance of understanding the catalytic sites on metal oxide cocatalysts. Moreover, it offers a design strategy for enhancing the efficiency of photocatalytic water splitting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Higashi
- Institute for Tenure Track Promotion, University of Miyazaki, 1-1 Gakuen-Kibanadai-Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Seki
- Global Zero Emission Research Center, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8569, Japan
| | - Vikas Nandal
- Global Zero Emission Research Center, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8569, Japan
| | - Yuriy Pihosh
- Office of University Professors, The University of Tokyo, 2-11-16 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Mamiko Nakabayashi
- Institute of Engineering Innovation, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 2-11-16 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Naoya Shibata
- Institute of Engineering Innovation, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 2-11-16 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Kazunari Domen
- Office of University Professors, The University of Tokyo, 2-11-16 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
- Research Initiative for Supra-Materials (RISM), Shinshu University, 4-17-1 Wakasato, Nagano 380-8533, Japan
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6
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Khoiruddin K, Wenten IG, Siagian UWR. Advancements in Bipolar Membrane Electrodialysis Techniques for Carbon Capture. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:9362-9384. [PMID: 38680122 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c03873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BMED) is a promising technology for the capture of carbon dioxide (CO2) from seawater, offering a sustainable solution to combat climate change. BMED efficiently extracts CO2 while generating valuable byproducts like hydrogen and minerals, contributing to the carbon cycle. The technology relies on ion-exchange membranes and electric fields for efficient ion separation and concentration. Recent advancements focus on enhancing water dissociation in bipolar membranes (BPMs) to improve efficiency and durability. BMED has applications in desalination, electrodialysis, water splitting, acid/base production, and CO2 capture and utilization. Despite the high efficiency, scalability, and environmental friendliness, challenges such as energy consumption and membrane costs exist. Recent innovations include novel BPM designs, catalyst integration, and exploring direct air/ocean capture. Research and development efforts are crucial to unlocking BMED's full potential in reducing carbon emissions and addressing environmental issues. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in BMED, emphasizing its role in carbon capture and sustainable environmental solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Khoiruddin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Jalan Ganesa No. 10, Bandung 40132, Indonesia
- Research Center for Nanosciences and Nanotechnology, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Jalan Ganesa No. 10, Bandung 40132, Indonesia
| | - I G Wenten
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Jalan Ganesa No. 10, Bandung 40132, Indonesia
- Research Center for Nanosciences and Nanotechnology, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Jalan Ganesa No. 10, Bandung 40132, Indonesia
| | - Utjok W R Siagian
- Research Center for Nanosciences and Nanotechnology, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Jalan Ganesa No. 10, Bandung 40132, Indonesia
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7
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Xu T, Tian F, Jiao D, Fan J, Jin Z, Zhang L, Zhang W, Zheng L, Singh DJ, Zhang L, Zheng W, Cui X. In Situ Construction of Built-In Opposite Electric Field Balanced Surface Adsorption for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2309249. [PMID: 38152975 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202309249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Achieving a balance between H-atom adsorption and binding with H2 desorption is crucial for catalyzing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In this study, the feasibility of designing and implementing built-in opposite electric fields (OEF) is demonstrated to enable optimal H atom adsorption and H2 desorption using the Ni3(BO3)2/Ni5P4 heterostructure as an example. Through density functional theory calculations of planar averaged potentials, it shows that opposite combinations of inward and outward electric fields can be achieved at the interface of Ni3(BO3)2/Ni5P4, leading to the optimization of the H adsorption free energy (ΔGH*) near electric neutrality (0.05 eV). Based on this OEF concept, the study experimentally validated the Ni3(BO3)2/Ni5P4 system electrochemically forming Ni3(BO3)2 through cyclic voltammetry scanning of B-doped Ni5P4. The surface of Ni3(BO3)2 undergoes reconstruction, as characterized by Grazing Incidence Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering (GIWAXS) and in situ Raman spectroscopy. The resulting catalyst exhibits excellent HER activity in alkaline media, with a low overpotential of 33 mV at 10 mA cm-2 and stability maintained for over 360 h. Therefore, the design strategy of build-in opposite electric field enables the development of high-performance HER catalysts and presents a promising approach for electrocatalyst advancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Automotive Simulation and Control, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials of MOE, Jilin Provincial International Cooperation Key Laboratory of High-Efficiency Clean Energy Materials, Electron Microscopy Center, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Fuyu Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Automotive Simulation and Control, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials of MOE, Jilin Provincial International Cooperation Key Laboratory of High-Efficiency Clean Energy Materials, Electron Microscopy Center, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Dongxu Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Automotive Simulation and Control, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials of MOE, Jilin Provincial International Cooperation Key Laboratory of High-Efficiency Clean Energy Materials, Electron Microscopy Center, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Jinchang Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Automotive Simulation and Control, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials of MOE, Jilin Provincial International Cooperation Key Laboratory of High-Efficiency Clean Energy Materials, Electron Microscopy Center, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Zhaoyong Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Automotive Simulation and Control, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials of MOE, Jilin Provincial International Cooperation Key Laboratory of High-Efficiency Clean Energy Materials, Electron Microscopy Center, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- College of Chemistry, Jilin University, 2699 Qianjin Street, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Automotive Simulation and Control, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials of MOE, Jilin Provincial International Cooperation Key Laboratory of High-Efficiency Clean Energy Materials, Electron Microscopy Center, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Lirong Zheng
- Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - David J Singh
- Department of Physics and Astronomy and Department of Chemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Lijun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Automotive Simulation and Control, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials of MOE, Jilin Provincial International Cooperation Key Laboratory of High-Efficiency Clean Energy Materials, Electron Microscopy Center, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Weitao Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Automotive Simulation and Control, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials of MOE, Jilin Provincial International Cooperation Key Laboratory of High-Efficiency Clean Energy Materials, Electron Microscopy Center, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Automotive Simulation and Control, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials of MOE, Jilin Provincial International Cooperation Key Laboratory of High-Efficiency Clean Energy Materials, Electron Microscopy Center, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
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8
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Adisasmito S, Khoiruddin K, Sutrisna PD, Wenten IG, Siagian UWR. Bipolar Membrane Seawater Splitting for Hydrogen Production: A Review. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:14704-14727. [PMID: 38585051 PMCID: PMC10993265 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c09205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
The growing demand for clean energy has spurred the quest for sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. Hydrogen has emerged as a promising candidate with its exceptional heating value and zero emissions upon combustion. However, conventional hydrogen production methods contribute to CO2 emissions, necessitating environmentally friendly alternatives. With its vast potential, seawater has garnered attention as a valuable resource for hydrogen production, especially in arid coastal regions with surplus renewable energy. Direct seawater electrolysis presents a viable option, although it faces challenges such as corrosion, competing reactions, and the presence of various impurities. To enhance the seawater electrolysis efficiency and overcome these challenges, researchers have turned to bipolar membranes (BPMs). These membranes create two distinct pH environments and selectively facilitate water dissociation by allowing the passage of protons and hydroxide ions, while acting as a barrier to cations and anions. Moreover, the presence of catalysts at the BPM junction or interface can further accelerate water dissociation. Alongside the thermodynamic potential, the efficiency of the system is significantly influenced by the water dissociation potential of BPMs. By exploiting these unique properties, BPMs offer a promising solution to improve the overall efficiency of seawater electrolysis processes. This paper reviews BPM electrolysis, including the water dissociation mechanism, recent advancements in BPM synthesis, and the challenges encountered in seawater electrolysis. Furthermore, it explores promising strategies to optimize the water dissociation reaction in BPMs, paving the way for sustainable hydrogen production from seawater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanggono Adisasmito
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Institut Teknologi
Bandung (ITB), Jalan
Ganesa No. 10, Bandung 40132, Indonesia
| | - Khoiruddin Khoiruddin
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Institut Teknologi
Bandung (ITB), Jalan
Ganesa No. 10, Bandung 40132, Indonesia
| | - Putu D. Sutrisna
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Universitas Surabaya
(UBAYA), Jalan Raya Kalirungkut (Tenggilis), Surabaya 60293, Indonesia
| | - I Gede Wenten
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Institut Teknologi
Bandung (ITB), Jalan
Ganesa No. 10, Bandung 40132, Indonesia
| | - Utjok W. R. Siagian
- Department
of Petroleum Engineering, Institut Teknologi
Bandung (ITB), Jalan Ganesa No. 10, Bandung 40132, Indonesia
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9
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Pimlott DJD, Kim Y, Berlinguette CP. Reactive Carbon Capture Enables CO 2 Electrolysis with Liquid Feedstocks. Acc Chem Res 2024; 57:1007-1018. [PMID: 38526508 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.3c00571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
ConspectusThe electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2RR) is a promising strategy for mitigating global CO2 emissions while simultaneously yielding valuable chemicals and fuels, such as CO, HCOO-, and C2H4. This approach becomes especially appealing when integrated with surplus renewable electricity, as the ensuing production of fuels could facilitate the closure of the carbon cycle. Despite these advantages, the realization of industrial-scale electrolyzers fed with CO2 will be challenged by the substantial energy inputs required to isolate, pressurize, and purify CO2 prior to electrolysis.To address these challenges, we devised an electrolyzer capable of directly converting reactive carbon solutions (e.g., a bicarbonate-rich eluent that exits a carbon capture unit) into higher value products. This "reactive carbon electrolyzer" operates by reacting (bi)carbonate with acid generated within the electrolyzer to produce CO2 in situ, thereby facilitating CO2RR at the cathode. This approach eliminates the need for expensive CO2 recovery and compression steps, as the electrolyzer can then then coupled directly to the CO2 capture unit.This Account outlines our endeavors in developing this type of electrolyzer, focusing on the design and implementation of materials for electrocatalytic (bi)carbonate conversion. We highlight the necessity for a permeable cathode that allows the efficient transport of (bi)carbonate ions while maintaining a sufficiently high catalytic surface area. We address the importance of the supporting electrolyte, detailing how (bi)carbonate concentration, counter cations, and ionic impurities impact selectivity for products formed in the electrolyzer. We also catalog state-of-the-art performance metrics for reactive carbon electrolyzers (i.e., Faradaic efficiency, full cell voltage, CO2 utilization efficiency) and outline strategies to bridge the gap between these values and those required for commercial operation Collectively, these findings contribute to the ongoing efforts to realize industrial-scale electrochemical reactors for CO2 conversion, bringing us closer to a sustainable and closed-loop carbon cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas J D Pimlott
- Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Yongwook Kim
- Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Curtis P Berlinguette
- Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z1, Canada
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of British Columbia, 2360 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute, The University of British Columbia, 2355 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), 661 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1M1, Canada
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10
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Favero S, Stephens IEL, Titirci MM. Anion Exchange Ionomers: Design Considerations and Recent Advances - An Electrochemical Perspective. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2308238. [PMID: 37891006 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202308238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Alkaline-based electrochemical devices, such as anion exchange membrane (AEM) fuel cells and electrolyzers, are receiving increasing attention. However, while the catalysts and membrane are methodically studied, the ionomer is largely overlooked. In fact, most of the studies in alkaline electrolytes are conducted using the commercial proton exchange ionomer Nafion. The ionomer provides ionic conductivity; it is also essential for gas transport and water management, as well as for controlling the mechanical stability and the morphology of the catalyst layer. Moreover, the ionomer has distinct requirements that differ from those of anion-exchange membranes, such as a high gas permeability, and that depend on the specific electrode, such as water management. As a result, it is necessary to tailor the ionomer structure to the specific application in isolation and as part of the catalyst layer. In this review, an overview of the current state of the art for anion exchange ionomers is provided, summarizing their specific requirements and limitations in the context of AEM electrolyzers and fuel cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Favero
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, England, SW7 2BU, UK
| | - Ifan E L Stephens
- Department of Materials, Imperial College London, England, SW7 2BU, UK
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11
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Al-Dhubhani E, Tedesco M, de Vos WM, Saakes M. Combined Electrospinning-Electrospraying for High-Performance Bipolar Membranes with Incorporated MCM-41 as Water Dissociation Catalysts. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:45745-45755. [PMID: 37729586 PMCID: PMC10561145 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c06826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Electrospinning has been demonstrated as a very promising method to create bipolar membranes (BPMs), especially as it allows three-dimensional (3D) junctions of entangled anion exchange and cation exchange nanofibers. These newly developed BPMs are relevant to demanding applications, including acid and base production, fuel cells, flow batteries, ammonia removal, concentration of carbon dioxide, and hydrogen generation. However, these applications require the introduction of catalysts into the BPM to allow accelerated water dissociation, and this remains a challenge. Here, we demonstrate a versatile strategy to produce very efficient BPMs through a combined electrospinning-electrospraying approach. Moreover, this work applies the newly investigated water dissociation catalyst of nanostructured silica MCM-41. Several BPMs were produced by electrospraying MCM-41 nanoparticles into the layers directly adjacent to the main BPM 3D junction. BPMs with various loadings of MCM-41 nanoparticles and BPMs with different catalyst positions relative to the junction were investigated. The membranes were carefully characterized for their structure and performance. Interestingly, the water dissociation performance of BPMs showed a clear optimal MCM-41 loading where the performance outpaced that of a commercial BPM, recording a transmembrane voltage of approximately 1.11 V at 1000 A/m2. Such an excellent performance is very relevant to fuel cell and flow battery applications, but our results also shed light on the exact function of the catalyst in this mode of operation. Overall, we demonstrate clearly that introducing a novel BPM architecture through a novel hybrid electrospinning-electrospraying method allows the uptake of promising new catalysts (i.e., MCM-41) and the production of very relevant BPMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emad Al-Dhubhani
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
- Membrane Science and Technology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Michele Tedesco
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - Wiebe M de Vos
- Membrane Science and Technology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Michel Saakes
- Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Oostergoweg 9, 8911 MA Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
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12
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Mehrabi H, Schichtl ZG, Conlin SK, Coridan RH. Modular Solar-to-Fuel Electrolysis at Low Cell Potentials Enabled by Glycerol Electrooxidation and a Bipolar Membrane Separator. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:44953-44961. [PMID: 37706500 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c09016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Solar fuel generation through water electrolysis or electrochemical CO2 reduction is thermodynamically limited when it is paired with oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Glycerol electrooxidation reaction (GEOR) is an alternative anodic reaction with lower anodic electrochemical potential that utilizes a renewable coproduct produced during biodiesel synthesis. We show that GEOR on an Au-Pt-Bi ternary metal electrocatalyst in a model alkaline crude glycerol solution can provide significant cell potential reductions even when paired to reduction reactions in seawater and acidic catholytes via a bipolar membrane (BPM). We showed that the combination of GEOR and a BPM separator lowers the total cell potential by 1 V at an electrolysis current of 10.0 mA cm-2 versus an anode performing anode's OER when paired with hydrogen evolution and CO2 reduction cathodes. The observed voltage reduction was steady for periods of up to 80 h, with minimal glycerol crossover observed through the membrane. These results motivate new, high-performance cell designs for photoelectrochemical solar fuel integrated systems based on glycerol electrooxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Mehrabi
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, United States
| | - Zebulon G Schichtl
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, United States
| | - Samuel K Conlin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, United States
| | - Robert H Coridan
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, United States
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13
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Lü J, Ren G, Hu Q, Rensing C, Zhou S. Microbial biofilm-based hydrovoltaic technology. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:1155-1167. [PMID: 37085401 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Hydrovoltaic electricity generation (HEG) utilizes the latent environmental heat stored in water, and subsequently harvests the electrical energy. However, sustainable HEG has remained extremely challenging due either to complex fabrication and high cost, or to restricted environmental compatibility and renewability. Electroactive microorganisms are environmentally abundant and viable in performing directional electron transport to produce currents. These distinctive features have inspired microbial HEG systems that can convert environmental energy into hygroelectricity upon water circulation from raindrops, waves, and water moisture, and has recently succeeded as proof of concept for becoming a cutting-edge biotechnology. In this review, recent advances in microbial biofilm-based hydrovoltaic technology are highlighted to better understand a promising method of electricity generation from environmental energy with the aim of practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Lü
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, No. 15 Shang Xia Dian Road, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Guoping Ren
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, No. 15 Shang Xia Dian Road, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Qichang Hu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, No. 15 Shang Xia Dian Road, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Christopher Rensing
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, No. 15 Shang Xia Dian Road, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Shungui Zhou
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Health and Regulation, College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, No. 15 Shang Xia Dian Road, Fuzhou 350002, China.
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14
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Xu Z, Wan L, Liao Y, Pang M, Xu Q, Wang P, Wang B. Continuous ammonia electrosynthesis using physically interlocked bipolar membrane at 1000 mA cm -2. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1619. [PMID: 36959179 PMCID: PMC10036611 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37273-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrosynthesis of ammonia from nitrate reduction receives extensive attention recently for its relatively mild conditions and clean energy requirements, while most existed electrochemical strategies can only deliver a low yield rate and short duration for the lack of stable ion exchange membranes at high current density. Here, a bipolar membrane nitrate reduction process is proposed to achieve ionic balance, and increasing water dissociation sites is delivered by constructing a three-dimensional physically interlocked interface for the bipolar membrane. This design simultaneously boosts ionic transfer and interfacial stability compared to traditional ones, successfully reducing transmembrane voltage to 1.13 V at up to current density of 1000 mA cm-2. By combining a Co three-dimensional nanoarray cathode designed for large current and low concentration utilizations, a continuous and high yield bipolar membrane reactor for NH3 electrosynthesis realized a stable electrolysis at 1000 mA cm-2 for over 100 h, Faradaic efficiency of 86.2% and maximum yield rate of 68.4 mg h-1 cm-2 with merely 2000 ppm NO3- alkaline electrolyte. These results show promising potential for artificial nitrogen cycling in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziang Xu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Wan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yiwen Liao
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Maobin Pang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Qin Xu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Peican Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Baoguo Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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15
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Higashi T, Seki K, Sasaki Y, Pihosh Y, Nandal V, Nakabayashi M, Shibata N, Domen K. Mechanistic Insights into Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution of CrO x /Rh Nanoparticles for Photocatalytic Water Splitting. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202204058. [PMID: 36764932 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202204058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) of Rh nanoparticles (RhNP) coated with an ultrathin layer of Cr-oxides (CrOx ) was investigated as a model electrode for the Cr2 O3 /Rh-metal core-shell-type cocatalyst system for photocatalytic water splitting. The CrOx layer was electrodeposited over RhNP on a transparent conductive fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate. The CrOx layer on RhNP facilitates the electron transfer process at the CrOx /RhNP interface, leading to the increased current density for the HER. Impedance spectroscopic analysis revealed that the CrOx layer transferred protons via the hopping mechanism to the RhNP surface for HER. In addition, CrOx restricted electron transfer from the FTO to the electrolyte and/or RhNP and suppressed the backward reaction by limiting oxygen migration. This study clarifies the crucial role of the ultrathin CrOx layer on nanoparticulate cocatalysts and provides a cocatalyst design strategy for realizing efficient photocatalytic water splitting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Higashi
- Institute for Tenure Track Promotion, University of Miyazaki, Nishi 1-1 Gakuen-Kibanadai, Miyazaki, 889-2192, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Seki
- Global Zero Emission Research Center, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 16-1 Onogawa, Ibaraki, 305-8569, Japan
| | - Yutaka Sasaki
- Office of University Professors, The University of Tokyo, 2-11-16 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Yuriy Pihosh
- Office of University Professors, The University of Tokyo, 2-11-16 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Vikas Nandal
- Global Zero Emission Research Center, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba 16-1 Onogawa, Ibaraki, 305-8569, Japan
| | - Mamiko Nakabayashi
- Institute of Engineering Innovation, The University of Tokyo, 2-11-16 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Naoya Shibata
- Institute of Engineering Innovation, The University of Tokyo, 2-11-16 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Kazunari Domen
- Office of University Professors, The University of Tokyo, 2-11-16 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
- Research Initiative for Supra-Materials (RISM), Shinshu University, 4-17-1 Wakasato, Nagano, 380-8533, Japan
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16
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Melnikov S. Ion Transport and Process of Water Dissociation in Electromembrane System with Bipolar Membrane: Modelling of Symmetrical Case. MEMBRANES 2022; 13:47. [PMID: 36676854 PMCID: PMC9860903 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13010047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
A model is proposed that describes the transfer of ions and the process of water dissociation in a system with a bipolar membrane and adjacent diffusion layers. The model considers the transfer of four types of ions: the cation and anion of salt and the products of water dissociation-hydrogen and hydroxyl ions. To describe the process of water dissociation, a model for accelerating the dissociation reaction with the participation of ionogenic groups of the membrane is adopted. The boundary value problem is solved numerically using COMSOL® Multiphysics 5.5 software. An analysis of the results of a numerical experiment shows that, at least in a symmetric electromembrane system, there is a kinetic limitation of the water dissociation process, apparently associated with the occurrence of water recombination reaction at the of the bipolar region. An interpretation of the entropy factor (β) is given as a characteristic length, which shows the possibility of an ion that appeared because of the water dissociation reaction to be removed from the reaction zone without participating in recombination reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislav Melnikov
- Physical Chemistry Department, Kuban State University, 350040 Krasnodar, Russia
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17
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Wu D, Jiao F, Lu Q. Progress and Understanding of CO 2/CO Electroreduction in Flow Electrolyzers. ACS Catal 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.2c03348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Donghuan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Feng Jiao
- Center for Catalytic Science and Technology, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Qi Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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