Electrode Structure & Materials for PEM Water Electrolysis
Developing advanced supported-catalyst for ultra-low Ir-loaded PEMWE
Ultra-low loaded Ir-based oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst for the anode PEMWE is realized through the dispersing ultra-fine Ir nanoparticles on suitable support materials. As an acid-stable oxide, WOx nanowire was synthesized and utilized as an ideal catalyst support that exerted strong catalyst-support interactions with the supported Ir nanoparticles. The oxidation of Ir was suppressed which yield a core-shell structure having an oxide shell on a metallic core. We believe this core-shell structure is critical for both activity and stability, which can only be stabilized on the WOx nanowires.
Electrode structure design for ultra-low Ir-loaded PEMWE
Ultra-low Ir-loaded PEMWE anode can also be addressed from an electrode structure perspective. By accurately positioning the very little amount of OER-active Ir-black, issues on deficient in-plane conductivity, low utilization, and poor durability can all be addressed with substantial improvements.
Ir-free/PGM-free oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst development
To address the anticipated cost raise of iridium due to the large glocal demand in PEMWE, Ir-free and PGM-free OER catalyst development is a critical and pressing issue. Recently, Sn-modified spinel cobalt oxide had been successfully synthesized and showed promissing performance and durability under MEA testing conditions. Multi-metal site rutile ruthenium oxide was also investigated to overcome the dissolution problem of pure ruthenium oxides. These efforts paves way to a sustainable future of affordable green hydrogen.
Electrode & Electrolyte & Interface Engineering for CO2 Electrolysis
Accessible high surface area Cu electrode for zero-gap CO2RR
A CO2-triggered break-in and formation of accessible high surface area Cu electrode for CO2RR was realized using a nanocomposite of CuO and MgO as a startig material. The in-situ dissolution of MgO was initiated as soon as the introduction of CO2 and liquid water, yielding a nanoporous Cu electrode that efficiently promoted C-C coupling under zero-gap MEA testing conditions.
Electrosynthesis of ultra-clean Cu nanocubes for CO2RR
A ligand-free electrochemical deposition method has been developed using just CO2 gas as the shape directing agent. We have identified the proper condition to maximized the adsorption of CO2, which showed preferential adsorption on the (100) surface of Cu, to yield high quality Cu nanocubes on commercially avaliable carbon paper gas diffusion layers. These ultra-clean electrodes are readily avaliable for use in practical CO2RR electrolyzers and showed competitive performance.