Ru-core Ir-shell electrocatalysts deposited on a surface-modified Ti-based porous transport layer for polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis

Yasutake, Masahiro and Noda, Zhiyun and Matsuda, Junko and Lyth, Stephen M. and Nishihara, Masamichi and Ito, Kohei and Hayashi, Akari and Sasaki, Kazunari (2024) Ru-core Ir-shell electrocatalysts deposited on a surface-modified Ti-based porous transport layer for polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 49. pp. 169-183. ISSN 0360-3199 (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2023.07.048)

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Abstract

Novel Ru-core Ir-shell catalyst-integrated porous transport electrodes (PTEs) for polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) cells are prepared, in which Ru-core Ir-shell catalyst nanostructures are directly deposited onto a porous transport layer (PTL) via arc plasma deposition (APD). The PTL has a nanostructured TiO2 surface prepared via NaOH etching, acting as a catalyst support. The performance and durability of these Ru-core Ir-shell catalysts depend strongly on the ratio of Ir and Ru. The current-voltage (I–V) characteristics of PEMWE cells were improved by applying these core-shell catalysts with a low Ir loading of around 0.1 mg cm−2. The core-shell catalyst-integrated PTEs can operate at current densities of up to 10 A cm−2 without exhibiting limiting current behavior. This unique combination of the core-shell catalyst and the PTE structure enables PEMWE cell operation with low iridium loading and high current density, potentially reducing the cost of green hydrogen.

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