Platinum and Cerium-Zirconium Oxide Co-Doped Membrane for Mitigated H2 Crossover and Ionomer Degradation in PEWE

The use of thinner membranes in polymer electrolyte water electrolysis increases the likelihood of forming an explosive H-2/O-2 mixture in the anode stream. Doping Pt nanoparticles into a Nafion membrane as recombination catalyst effectively lowers the hydrogen crossover. Here, we propose the additional co-doping of cerium-zirconium oxide as radical scavenger to mitigate membrane degradation. Our results show over 4-fold reduction of anodic hydrogen content compared to a non-doped membrane, and a nearly 3-fold decrease of fluoride release rate compared to the membrane with only Pt-doping at 80 degrees C and differential pressure (p (c) = 3 bar, p (a) = 1 bar) operation.

Automated summary

The use of thinner membranes in polymer electrolyte water electrolysis increases the risk of forming explosive gas mixtures. Doping Pt nanoparticles into a Nafion membrane as a catalyst reduces hydrogen permeability. Additionally, co-doping with cerium-zirconium oxide as a radical scavenger mitigates membrane degradation.