Hierarchical mesh-type oxygen electrode using carbon nanotube framework for anion-exchange membrane-based unitized regenerative fuel cells

Abstract

Developing three-dimensional porous oxygen electrodes (OE) is crucial for enhancing round-trip efficiency (RTE) of anion-exchange membrane-based unitized regenerative fuel cells (AEM_URFCs). Herein, a novel OE design of AEM_URFCs is presented based on a hierarchical mesh electrode (HME) with a porous carbon nanotube (CNT) framework. The HME, featuring square-shaped macropores achieved by dispersing catalyst nanoparticles on the CNT framework enhances surface area, mass transport, and electron transport. Half-cell test demonstrated superior oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction activity compared to conventional electrodes. Moreover, the HME maintained stable ORR and OER activity during the stability test. In single-cell tests, the AEM_URFCs with the HME exhibited higher RTE (55% at 20 mA cm−2), surpassing the conventional electrode (52%). Furthermore, RTE was maintained at a remarkable 41% under ultrahigh current density (250 mA cm−2), which is unprecedented in the literature. The AEM_URFCs featuring the HME displayed superior cyclability over 5 cycles and durable performances under both fuel cell and water electrolysis modes.