6533b836fe1ef96bd12a12fe

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Design and characterization of bi-functional electrocatalytic layers for application in PEM unitized regenerative fuel cells

Tor Oskar SaetreK.a. DzhusHugh MiddletonSergey A. GrigorievSergey A. GrigorievVladimir N. FateevPierre Millet

subject

chemistry.chemical_classificationMaterials scienceElectrolysis of waterRenewable Energy Sustainability and the EnvironmentAnalytical chemistryEnergy Engineering and Power TechnologyProton exchange membrane fuel cellPolymerCondensed Matter PhysicsElectrochemistryAnodeCatalysisFuel TechnologyMembraneChemical engineeringchemistryPolarization (electrochemistry)

description

Abstract Results concerning the development and characterization of bi-functional electrocatalytic layers for application in unitized regenerative fuel cells (URFCs) based on proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology are reported. Carbon-supported hydrophobic (10 wt.% of PTFE) Pt catalysts (40 wt.% of Pt), and Pt and Ir black powders of large specific areas have been synthesized. Their structure, morphology and electrochemical properties have been investigated using SEM, TEM, XRD analysis, and by measurements of polarization curves and cyclic voltammograms. Current–voltage curves have been recorded during water electrolysis and H 2 /O 2 fuel cell experiments to evaluate their performances at the lab-scale (7 cm 2 active area). Results show that, among various Pt–Ir compositions, the best URFC current–voltage performances are obtained with anodic electrocatalytic structures made of two adjacent porous layers, a first one made of Ir (50 wt.%) in direct contact with the polymer membrane and a second one made of Pt (50 wt.%) coated over the first one.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2009.08.081