Long-term performance of PEM water electrolysis cells with 3D printed electrodes and low catalyst loading

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2024-03, Vol.59, p.480-491
• Main Authors: Sánchez Batalla, B., Laube, A., Hofer, A., Zallmann, S., Körner, C., Struckmann, T., Bachmann, J., Weidlich, C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3D printing; Degradation; Distribution of relaxation times; Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy; Low catalyst loading; PEM water electrolysis cells
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.01.364

Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers (PEMEL) are promising for the production of green hydrogen, but costs have to be reduced and lifetime has to be improved. In this study we investigate PEMEL with low catalyst loading achieved by Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) and 3D printing of the electrodes. Degradation processes were characterized and allocated using different electrochemical and physicochemical methods. The cell setup was optimized using Distribution of Relaxation Times Analysis (DRT) of the Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) measurements and the long-term performance of the optimized cell was investigated using different electrolytes (sulfuric acid and deionized water). •PEMWE cells with a low catalyst loading and 3D printed electrode show high mass activity.•Cell configuration is optimized using electrochemical methods.•Cell degradation is shown by polarization curves and impedance measurements.•Degradation processes can be allocated using DRT analysis.