Ultra-high power density, low-cost electrolyzers electrodes via conformal coating of catalyst thin-f
Abstract
We will develop a new electrolyzer membrane electrode assembly architecture for ultra-high power density hydrogen production, enabli,ng a >3X volumetric production rate for the electrolyzer stack. This focus is well-aligned with a variety of the Navys centralized, and distributed hydrogen production needs in the future as many heavy-duty applications transition to zero-emissions, low-temperatu,re fuel cells. Fuel cell applications include propulsion in manned marine vehicles, unmanned submersibles, and stationary power. Hyd,rogen fuel cells are also an important approach to realizing long-operation durations of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The develo,pment of electrolyzers to produce hydrogen is synergistic with Navys ongoing development of hydrogen fuel cells UAVs. --The propose,d concept is a nanostructured polymer electrolyte membrane that conformally coated with high activity catalyst. Here, the electrode, will be fabricated by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of iridium-based catalyst on the nanofiber surface of the membrane (CVD-NF el,ectrode). The objective is to achieve a mass activity (current or H2 production per mass of iridium at 1.48 V) that is twice of the, commercial state of the art and yields current densities (hydrogen production) greater than 5 A/cm2 at 2.0 V. Through the proposed, research, this NEPTUNE project will educate Navy-affiliated students on energy systems, electrochemistry, and hydrogen and fuel cel,l technologies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2022
- Source ID
- N000142212080
Entities
People
- Shawn Litster
Organizations
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy