ANN ARBOR, MI
Dr. Bjorn Hasa’s recent publication in Applied Catalysis B: Environment and Energy sheds new light on improving the efficiency of polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE), a critical technology for clean hydrogen generation. This work focuses on advancing electrolyzer performance with a special emphasis on low iridium-loaded systems.
One of the key innovations explored in the study is the role of the porous transport layer (PTL), a component that has received limited attention despite its significance. The research delves into the impact of PTL porosity, thickness, and structure on overpotentials, offering new insights into the electrochemical dynamics of the system.
The study reveals that improving the interface between the PTL and the catalyst layer, through the insertion of a microporous layer, facilitates both electron transfer and oxygen removal. This leads to a reduction in cell voltage, a particularly beneficial outcome when using lower amounts of expensive catalyst materials such as iridium.
For detailed information, please refer to the published paper in Applied Catalysis B: Environment and Energy
