Inkjet printing in polymer electrolyte membrane electrolysis

Abstract

In proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEFCs), the catalyst and electrolyte loading have been shown to have an important effect in the performance and efficiency of the device. On the contrary, literature analyzing the effect of the fabrication method, catalyst and ionomer loading in proton exchange membrane electrolysis (PEME) scarce. The focus of this research is an empirical study of the catalyst and electrolyte loading on the anode of a PEME manufactured using an inkjet printer. Characterizing the effect and interaction of both parameters will help to optimize the fabrication of the membrane electrolyte assembly

(MEA). Results show a best performance using 2%wt NafionQR

while 1.5 mg IrO2/cm2

catalyst loading. A voltage of 1650 mV at 1A/cm2 and 1760 mV at 2A/cm2 were achieved for an anode loading of 1.1 mg IrO2/cm2. Decreasing the drop size in the printing procedure leads to a greater thickness of the electrodes and a better performance of the cell. Using this new printing method, the efficiency of the PEME was improved from a 70.8% to a 74.4% at 1A/cm2 using the same amount of catalyst.