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http://dx.doi.org/10.14478/ace.2021.1043

Study on the Improvement of Electrochemical Performance by Controlling the Surface Characteristics of the Oxygen Electrode Porous Transport Layer for Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis

Lee, Han Eol (Graduate School of Energy Science and Technology, Chungnam National University)
Linh, Doan Tuan (Graduate School of Energy Science and Technology, Chungnam National University)
Lee, Woo-kum (Department of Energy & Electrical Engineering, Woosuk University)
Kim, Taekeun (Department of Chemical Engineering Education, Chungnam National University)

Publication Information

Applied Chemistry for Engineering / v.32, no.3, 2021 , pp. 332-339 More about this Journal

Abstract

Recently, due to concerns about the depletion of fossil fuels and the emission of greenhouse gases, the importance of hydrogen energy technology, which is a clean energy source that does not emit greenhouse gases, is being emphasized. Water electrolysis technology is a green hydrogen technology that obtains hydrogen by electrolyzing water and is attracting attention as one of the ultimate clean future energy resources. In this study, the surface properties of the porous transport layer (PTL), one of the cell components of the proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE), were controlled using a sandpaper to reduce overvoltage and increase performance and stability. The surfaces of PTL were sanded using sandpapers of 400, 180, and 100 grit, and then all samples were finally treated with the sandpaper of 1000 grit. The prepared PTL was analyzed for the degree of hydrophilicity by measuring the water contact angle, and the surface shape was observed through SEM analysis. In order to analyze the electrochemical characteristics, I-V performance curves and impedance measurements were conducted.

Keywords

Proton exchange membrane water electrolysis; Porous transport layer; Surface treatment; Sandpaper;

Citations & Related Records

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