Understanding the microstructure of a core-shell anode catalyst layer for polymer electrolyte water electrolysis.

ABSTRACT: Reducing precious metal loading in the anodic catalyst layer (CL) is indispensable for lowering capital costs and enabling the widespread adoption of polymer electrolyte water electrolysis. This work presents the first three-dimensional reconstruction of a TiO₂-supported IrO₂ based core shell CL (3 mg_IrO2/cm₂), using high-resolution X-ray ptychographic tomography at cryogenic temperature of 90 K. The high data quality and phase sensitivity of the technique have allowed the reconstruction of all four phases namely pore space, IrO₂, TiO₂ support matrix and the ionomer network, the latter of which has proven to be a challenge in the past. Results show that the IrO₂ forms thin nanoporous shells around the TiO₂

SUBMITTER: De Angelis S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10017760 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature