Issue 10, 2023

Oxidative instability of ionomers in hydroxide-exchange-membrane water electrolyzers

Abstract

Hydroxide-exchange membrane (HEM) electrolyzers can produce green H2 with only earth-abundant catalysts and electrolyte-free (nominally pure) water feed, significantly decreasing system cost and complexity. However, HEM technology suffers from short lifetimes, attributed in part to poor stability of anion-exchange polymers used in the membrane and catalyst layers. We use electrochemical analysis and ex situ characterization techniques to study anion-exchange-polymer degradation in electrolyzers. Using multiple ionomers, catalyst-layer additives, and electrolyte feed, we show how anode-ionomer oxidation is the dominant degradation mechanism for all HEM-based electrolyzer cells tested. We find improved device stability using oxidation-resistant catalyst-layer binders and propose new design strategies for advanced ionomer and catalyst-layer development.

Graphical abstract: Oxidative instability of ionomers in hydroxide-exchange-membrane water electrolyzers

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
24 Apr. 2023
Accepted
14 Aug. 2023
First published
14 Aug. 2023

Energy Environ. Sci., 2023,16, 4373-4387

Author version available

Oxidative instability of ionomers in hydroxide-exchange-membrane water electrolyzers

G. A. Lindquist, J. C. Gaitor, W. L. Thompson, V. Brogden, K. J. T. Noonan and S. W. Boettcher, Energy Environ. Sci., 2023, 16, 4373 DOI: 10.1039/D3EE01293J

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