Cost-Effective Electrode Fabrication Method Using Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Binder for Proton Exchange Membrane...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) is crucial for green hydrogen production.
• Nafion ionomer, while effective, is expensive and environmentally concerning.
• Developing cost-effective and sustainable alternatives for PEMWE binders is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as a sustainable and cost-effective anode binder for PEMWE.
• To investigate the performance and durability of HPMC-based anodes compared to Nafion.
• To optimize the cross-linking process for HPMC hydrogel formation.

Main Methods:

• HPMC was cross-linked with citric acid to form a hydrogel binder.
• Electrode performance was evaluated in a single PEMWE cell.
• Ionic conductivity and hydrophilicity were measured.
• Long-term voltage stability was assessed over 200 hours.

Main Results:

• Cross-linked HPMC binder reduced anode costs by 54 times compared to Nafion.
• HPMC-based anodes showed comparable initial performance to Nafion anodes.
• HPMC demonstrated superior hydrophilicity and ionic conductivity.
• HPMC anodes exhibited a higher voltage decay rate than Nafion over 200 hours.

Conclusions:

• Cross-linked HPMC is a promising, cost-effective binder for PEMWE anodes.
• HPMC offers improved hydrophilicity and ionic conductivity.
• Further research is needed to enhance the long-term durability of HPMC binders for widespread adoption.