Evolution of a GDE setup: Beyond ambient conditions

Abstract

Gas diffusion electrode (GDE) setups recently and increasingly received attention as testing platforms for fuel cell catalysts. GDE setups provide realistic reaction conditions while remaining simple and efficient to use. Therefore, GDE setups bridge the gap between rotating disk electrode (RDE) measurements and membrane electrode assembly (MEA) testing. Here, we describe our initial GDE design development to its latest improvements that allow application of high temperatures. We point out experimental challenges we overcame, yet also discuss properly applying our new technique to avoid wrongful use. In particular, we advocate for implementing GDE setups in catalyst stability investigations where the technique so far has been used infrequently.