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Understanding and improving anode performance in an alkaline membrane electrolyzer using statistical design of experiments

Hassan, Noor Ul·Mandal, Mrinmay·Zulevi, Barr·Kohl, Paul A.·Mustain, William E.
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Abstract

The behavior of the oxygen-evolving positive electrode (i.e. anode) in the anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer (AEMEL) is complex and influenced by several factors. Very few studies have been performed to understand oxygen evolution reaction (OER) behavior by optimizing the individual factors that influence performance. Here, this study highlights the effects of catalyst loading, catalyst selection, porous transport layer (PTL) type and conductive additive content. The influence of each factor is elucidated through a design of experiments (DoE) approach with a full statistical analysis. Electrochemical data, alongside Pareto charts, parametric trends and their mutual interactions are discussed. This DoE approach is also helpful in making useful predictions and discovering new combinations to be tested. The end result was a high-performance AEMEL able to operate at a current density of 1.0 A/cm 2 at 1.80 V with IrOx OER and PtNi hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts using 0.3 M KOH fed to the anode. Even lower operating voltage was observed with PbRuOx catalyst at the anode, 1.64 V @ 1.0 A/cm 2 , though the cell decay rate was higher. Lastly, a IrOx/PtNi cell was stably operated continuously for 30 days (720 h) at 1.0 A/cm 2 . This study can serve as a guide for optimal electrode design with insights into component-performance compromises, which can aid in making design choices and performing techno-economic analyses.

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08 HYDROGEN37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRYAEMAnion exchange membraneAnodeElectrochemistryElectrolyzerOxygen evolutionWater electrolysis

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Hassan, Noor Ul, Mandal, Mrinmay, Zulevi, Barr, Kohl, Paul A., Mustain, William E.. 2022-02-05. Understanding and improving anode performance in an alkaline membrane electrolyzer using statistical design of experiments. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2022.140001

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