Towards developing a backing layer for proton exchange Membrane electrolyzers

Kurzfassung

Current energy policies require the urgent replacement of fossil energy carriers by carbon neutral ones, such as hydrogen. The backing or micro-porous layer plays an important role in the performance of hydrogen Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, reducing contact resistance and improving eactant/product management. Such carbon-based coating cannot be used in PEM electrolysis since it oxidizes to CO2 at high voltages. A functional titanium acro-porous layer (MPL) on the current collectors of a PEM electrolyzer is developed by thermal spraying. It improves the contact with the catalyst layers by ca. 20 mU cm2, increasing significantly the efficiency of the device when operating at high current densities.