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Ionomer content optimization in nickel-iron-based anodes with and without ceria for anion exchange membrane water electrolysis

Abstract

Hydrogen production from anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) is an efficient cost-effective solution to renewable energy storage. Contrary to proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis, AEMWE requires further optimization of its cell design, particularly for the kinetically unfavourable oxygen evolution anode half-cell reaction (OER). In this work we optimize the commercial Fumatech fumion ionomer content in AEMWE anodes using nickel (Ni) nanoparticles (NP) synthesized by chemical reduction. The optimal ionomer content is then applied to Ni-iron (Fe)-based NPs with and without ceria (CeO2), all prepared using the same method. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) of the resulting electrode surfaces, Particle-size Distribution (PSD) of the catalyst inks, and in-situ testing of the monometallic Ni NPs show that the best and most active catalytic layer is obtained using 15 wt% ionomer. AEMWE performance and short-term durability are evaluated in different concentrations of potassium hydroxide (KOH), where the Ni90Fe10 is the best performing Ni-based electrode showing 1.72 V at 0.8 A cm−2 in 1 M KOH after IR-correction, and a degradation rate of 3.3 mV h−1. The addition of ceria to the Ni-based catalysts shows more consistent mass transfer over time likely due to more efficient water transport and bubble release.
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Category

Academic article

Language

English

Author(s)

  • Emily Cossar
  • Alejandro Oyarce Barnett
  • Frode Seland
  • Reza Safari
  • Gianluigi A. Botton
  • Elena A. Baranova

Affiliation

  • SINTEF Industry / Sustainable Energy Technology
  • Norwegian University of Science and Technology
  • McMaster University
  • Ottawa University

Year

2021

Published in

Journal of Power Sources

ISSN

0378-7753

Volume

514

View this publication at Norwegian Research Information Repository