title: Solid-state water electrolysis with an alkaline membrane.
abstract: We report high-performance, durable alkaline membrane water electrolysis in a solid-state cell. An anion exchange membrane (AEM) and catalyst layer ionomer for hydroxide ion conduction were used without the addition of liquid electrolyte. At 50 °C, an AEM electrolysis cell using iridium oxide as the anode catalyst and Pt black as the cathode catalyst exhibited a current density of 399 mA/cm(2) at 1.80 V. We found that the durability of the AEM-based electrolysis cell could be improved by incorporating a highly durable ionomer in the catalyst layer and optimizing the water feed configuration. We demonstrated an AEM-based electrolysis cell with a lifetime of >535 h. These first-time results of water electrolysis in a solid-state membrane cell are promising for low-cost, scalable hydrogen production.
authors.affiliation: Electrochemical Engine Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, United States.
authors.forename: Yongjun
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Leng
authors.forename: Guang
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Alfonso J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Mendoza
authors.forename: Timothy B
authors.initials: TB
authors.lastname: Tighe
authors.forename: Michael A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Hickner
authors.forename: Chao-Yang
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Wang