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Updated: Jun 27, 2025

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Published on: July 20, 2021
Optimizing Ionomer Distribution in Anode Catalyst Layer for Stable Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis
Han Liu1,2, Xinhui Wang1,2, Kejie Lao1,2
1State 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.
Degradation in proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) is caused by ionomer movement in the anode catalyst layer (ACL). Optimizing ionomer distribution significantly reduces PEMWE decay, paving the way for cheaper hydrogen production.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) is crucial for sustainable hydrogen production but faces challenges in cost, efficiency, and durability.
- Precious metal catalysts and limited operational lifetime contribute significantly to the high cost of PEMWE systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and elucidate a key degradation mechanism in PEMWE related to ionomer dynamics within the anode catalyst layer (ACL).
- To investigate the mechanical degradation of the ACL microstructure over time and its impact on PEMWE performance.
- To establish a correlation between catalyst ink properties, ionomer distribution, and ACL degradation for improved PEMWE longevity.
Main Methods:
- Microstructural analysis of the anode catalyst layer (ACL) to observe ionomer migration and pore occupation.
- Correlation studies between catalyst ink formulation and the resulting ionomer distribution within the ACL.
- Performance testing of PEMWE cells with optimized ionomer distribution under specific operating conditions (2.0 A cm⁻² and 80 °C).
Main Results:
- A novel degradation mechanism was identified: ionomers migrate and occupy micropores in the ACL, particularly at the ACL/PTL interface, hindering reactant/product transport.
- Localized swelling, creep, and migration of ionomers lead to a mechanically degraded ACL microstructure.
- Optimized ionomer distribution, with reduced accumulation at the ACL/PTL interface and enrichment at the ACL/PEM interface, decreased the degradation rate by a factor of three.
Conclusions:
- The dynamic behavior of ionomers in the ACL is a critical factor in PEMWE degradation.
- Controlling ionomer distribution within the ACL, influenced by catalyst ink properties, can mitigate degradation.
- This research offers a pathway towards more durable and cost-effective PEMWE systems for low-cost hydrogen production.
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