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Effects of Electrode Support Structure on Electrode Microstructure, Transport Properties, and Gas Diffusion within
Nicholas Schwartz1, Jason Harrington1, Kirk J Ziegler2
1Mainstream Engineering Corporation, 200 Yellow Pl, Rockledge, Florida 32955, United States.
ACS Omega
|September 5, 2022
Summary
Optimizing gas diffusion layers (GDL) and microporous layers (MPL) in membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) enhances performance in CO2 electrolysis. Increased MPL thickness and GDL hydrophobicity improve water management for higher current densities.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Gas diffusion layers (GDL) and electrode microstructures are critical for membrane electrode assembly (MEA) performance in gas-phase electrolysis and CO2 separation.
- Understanding the interplay between GDL properties, catalyst layers, and the catalyst-membrane interface is essential for optimizing MEA efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally characterize the effects of GDL and electrode microstructure on MEA performance for CO2 electrolysis.
- To investigate how different GDL materials, with and without microporous layers (MPL), impact mass transport and overall MEA function.
- To determine the influence of GDL structure and chemistry on the performance of Platinum-Iridium Oxide (Pt-IrO2) MEAs.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of various GDL materials using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis.
- Measurement of reactant diffusion through GDL materials to assess microstructural and chemical property impacts on mass transport.
- Evaluation of Pt-IrO2 MEAs with different GDL materials using constant-current measurements.
Main Results:
- SEM and BET analyses provided insights into the microstructural and surface properties of different GDL materials.
- Diffusion measurements quantified the impact of GDL microstructure on reactant mass transport.
- Constant-current measurements demonstrated that increased MPL thickness and GDL hydrophobicity enhance water retention within the membrane and catalyst layers.
- Optimized GDL and MPL configurations led to improved MEA performance at high current densities.
Conclusions:
- GDL and MPL characteristics significantly influence MEA performance in CO2 electrolysis.
- Enhanced water management through increased MPL thickness and GDL hydrophobicity is key to achieving higher current densities.
- The study provides valuable data for designing advanced MEAs for efficient CO2 electrolysis and separation.
