Characterizing the Performance of Biologically Templated Membrane Electrode Assemblies for Low-Loaded Electrodes in Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Electrolyzers

Abstract

Hydrogen is one of the world’s most important chemicals. Hydrogen is produced at around 50 billion kg/year, and that number is expected to grow with increasing renewable usage in the future. Hydrogen generation via proton exchange (PEM)-based electrolysis is a promising technology because of its flexibility and deplorability.1 However, since platinum group metal catalysts are a major cost driving factor at large scales, a fundamental understanding the catalyst support interactions and the effect of architecture on PEM electrolysis performance is needed to reduce noble metal catalyst loadings. This work focuses on investigating biologically templated electrode components. Specifically, we explore bi-functional material-binding proteins to position ionomer on or near catalyst sites and comparing the performance in a lab-scale PEM electrolysis cell. The work compares the performance of a baseline platinum coated cathode electrode to platinum cathodes with biological organization. Protein additives increase the performance of an ultra-low catalyst PEM electrolysis cell. This has implications across many other green, electrochemical technologies useful for the energy sector. References Ayers, K. E., Renner, J. N., Danilovic, N., Wang, J. X., Zhang, Y., Maric, R., & Yu, H. (2016). “Pathways to ultra-low platinum group metal catalyst loading in proton exchange membrane electrolyzers”. Catalysis Today, 262, 121-132. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cattod.2015.10.019