Performance optimization of ultra-low platinum loading membrane electrode assembly prepared by electrostatic spraying

Finding a low-cost and stable electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) as a replacement for scarce and expensive precious metal catalysts has attracted significant interest from chemical and materials research communities. Here, we demonstrate an organic catalyst based on 2,2’-dipyridylamine (dpa) molecules adsorbed on carbon surface, which shows remarkable hydrogen evolution activity and performance durability in strongly acidic polymer electrolytes without involving any metal. The HER onset potential at dpa adsorbed on carbon has been found to be less than 50 mV in sulfuric acid and in a Nafion-based membrane electrode assembly (MEA). At the same time, this catalyst has shown no performance loss in a 60-hour durability test. The HER reaction mechanisms and the low onset overpotential in this system are revealed based on electrochemical study. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggest that the pyridyl-N functions as the active site for H adsorption with a free energy of -0.13 eV, in agreement with the unusually low onset overpotential for an organic molecular catalyst.<br>

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2,2’-Dipyridylamine as Organic Molecular Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in Acidic Electrolytes

10.26434/chemrxiv.8273627 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Xi Yin ◽

Ling Lin ◽

Hoon T. Chung ◽

Ulises Martinez ◽

Andrew M. Baker ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hydrogen Evolution ◽

Hydrogen Evolution Reaction ◽

Density Functional ◽

Low Cost ◽

Membrane Electrode Assembly ◽

Carbon Surface ◽

Membrane Electrode ◽

Durability Test ◽

Onset Potential ◽

Precious Metal Catalysts

Finding a low-cost and stable electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) as a replacement for scarce and expensive precious metal catalysts has attracted significant interest from chemical and materials research communities. Here, we demonstrate an organic catalyst based on 2,2’-dipyridylamine (dpa) molecules adsorbed on carbon surface, which shows remarkable hydrogen evolution activity and performance durability in strongly acidic polymer electrolytes without involving any metal. The HER onset potential at dpa adsorbed on carbon has been found to be less than 50 mV in sulfuric acid and in a Nafion-based membrane electrode assembly (MEA). At the same time, this catalyst has shown no performance loss in a 60-hour durability test. The HER reaction mechanisms and the low onset overpotential in this system are revealed based on electrochemical study. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggest that the pyridyl-N functions as the active site for H adsorption with a free energy of -0.13 eV, in agreement with the unusually low onset overpotential for an organic molecular catalyst.<br>

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Membrane electrode assembly

Membrane Technology ◽

10.1016/s0958-2118(01)80371-2 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 2001 (139) ◽

pp. 13

Keyword(s):

Membrane Electrode Assembly ◽

Membrane Electrode

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Catalytic layer-membrane electrode assembly methods for optimum triple phase boundaries and fuel cell performances

Journal of Materials Chemistry A ◽

10.1039/d0ta07470e ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Imen Fouzaï ◽

Solène Gentil ◽

Victor Costa Bassetto ◽

Wanderson Oliveira Silva ◽

Raddaoui Maher ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fuel Cell ◽

Membrane Electrode Assembly ◽

Emerging Technology ◽

Membrane Electrode ◽

Catalytic Layer ◽

Phase Boundaries ◽

Layer Membrane ◽

Critical Overview

A critical overview of MEA fabrication techniques is given focusing on the formation of triple phase boundaries, known for increasing PEMFC performances. Print-light-synthesis is a new emerging technology to achieve nanostructred MEA.

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