Highly Efficient Platinum Group Metal Free Based Membrane‐Electrode Assembly for Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis

Low‐temperature electricity‐driven water splitting is an established technology for hydrogen production. However, the two main types, namely proton exchange membrane (PEM) and liquid alkaline electrolysis, have limitations. For instance, PEM electrolysis requires a high amount of costly platinum‐group‐metal (PGM) catalysts, and liquid alkaline electrolysis is not well suited for intermittent operation. Herein we report a highly efficient alkaline polymer electrolysis design, which uses a membrane‐electrode assembly (MEA) based on low‐cost transition‐metal catalysts and an anion exchange membrane (AEM). This system exhibited similar performance to the one achievable with PGM catalysts. Moreover, it is very suitable for intermittent power operation, durable, and able to efficiently operate at differential pressure up to 3 MPa. This system combines the benefits of PEM and liquid alkaline technologies allowing the scalable production of low‐cost hydrogen from renewable sources.     

自支撑NiFe LDHs@Co-OH-CO3纳米棒阵列电极用于碱性阴离子交换膜电解水

开发高效耐用的电极对碱性阴离子交换膜电解水（AEMWEs）制氢至关重要。在这项研究中,我们展示了一种高效且稳定的自支撑NiFe LDHs@Co-OH-CO₃/NF纳米棒阵列电极分别用于析氧反应（OER）和AEMWE的阳极。在这项工作中,我们将2D的镍铁层状双金属氢氧化物纳米片（NiFe LDHs）原位生长在1D的碱式碳酸钴纳米线上（Co-OH-CO₃/NF）,最终得到独特的纳米棒阵列复合结构电极。在三电极体系中,自支撑NiFe LDHs@Co-OH-CO₃/NF对OER具有良好的催化活性, 在1 mol·L^-1 KOH中, 当电流密度为20 mA·cm^-2时,过电位为215 mV。当自支撑NiFe LDHs@Co-OH-CO₃/NF作为AEMWE的阳极（70 ^oC,1 mol·L^-1 KOH）,在电流密度为0.5 A·cm^-2时, 电解电压为1.72 V,并且具有较好的稳定性。进一步的实验表征结果显示了自支撑NiFe LDHs@Co-OH-CO₃/NF的优异性能是其具有特殊的形貌结构。这是由于纳米棒阵列电极的三维分层结构可以有效防止纳米片团聚, 从而有利于电子转移,为水分解提供大量的边缘活性位点。     

Decoupling Hydrogen and Oxygen Production in Acidic Water Electrolysis Using a Polytriphenylamine‐Based Battery Electrode

Hydrogen production through water splitting is considered a promising approach for solar energy harvesting. However, the variable and intermittent nature of solar energy and the co‐production of H₂ and O₂ significantly reduce the flexibility of this approach, increasing the costs of its use in practical applications. Herein, using the reversible n‐type doping/de‐doping reaction of the solid‐state polytriphenylamine‐based battery electrode, we decouple the H₂ and O₂ production in acid water electrolysis. In this architecture, the H₂ and O₂ production occur at different times, which eliminates the issue of gas mixing and adapts to the variable and intermittent nature of solar energy, facilitating the conversion of solar energy to hydrogen (STH). Furthermore, for the first time, we demonstrate a membrane‐free solar water splitting through commercial photovoltaics and the decoupled acid water electrolysis, which potentially paves the way for a new approach for solar water splitting.     

碱性电解水高效制氢

与传统化石能源制氢技术相比,利用可再生能源驱动电解水制氢技术具有绿色可持续和制氢效率高等优势,被认为是目前最具前景的制氢方式。然而, 由于电解水两极反应动力学缓慢、 催化剂稳定性较差, 限制了其大规模发展。此外, 阳极析氧反应存在较高的过电势, 从而导致当前制氢能耗与成本较高, 严重制约了其商业化应用。 为了解决上述问题与挑战,本文对当前发展较为成熟的碱性电解水技术进行了综合讨论与分析。 首先, 对电解水发展历程中的重要节点进行了总结, 便于读者了解该领域。进一步, 从电催化剂、 电极、 反应和系统的角度深入总结了提升电解水制氢性能的有效策略。作者分别介绍了近年来层状双金属氢氧化物基电解水催化剂、电解水制氢耦合氧化反应以及可再生能源驱动的电解水系统的重要研究进展; 同时对结构化催化剂在电解水应用中的构效关系进行了深入分析。最后, 对该领域存在的挑战和未来发展方向进行了展望,希望能为氢能的发展和推广提供一定的思路。     

Stable Anion Exchange Membrane Bearing Quinuclidinium for High-performance Water Electrolysis

Anion exchange membranes (AEMs) are core components in anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers (AEM-WEs). However, the stability of functional quaternary ammonium cations, especially under high temperatures and harsh alkaline conditions, seriously affects their performance and durability. Herein, we synthesized a 1-methyl-3,3-diphenylquinuclidinium molecular building unit. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and accelerated aging analysis indicated that the quinine ring structure was exceedingly stable, and the S_N2 degradation mechanism dominated. Through acid-catalyzed Friedel–Crafts polymerization, a series of branched poly(aryl-quinuclidinium) (PAQ-x) AEMs with controllable molecular weight and adjustable ion exchange capacity (IEC) were prepared. The stable quinine structure in PAQ-x was verified and retained in the ex situ alkaline stability. Furthermore, the branched polymer structure reduces the swelling rate and water uptake to achieve a tradeoff between dimensional stability and ionic conductivity, significantly improving the membrane's overall performance. Importantly, PAQ-5 was used in non-noble metal-based AEM-WE, achieving a high current density of 8 A cm⁻² at 2 V and excellent stability over 2446 h in a gradient constant current test. Based on the excellent alkaline stability of this diaryl-quinuclidinium group, it can be further considered as a multifunctional building unit to create multi-topological polymers for energy conversion devices used in alkaline environments.     

基于阳离子交换基团的阴离子交换膜研究进展

近年来,阴离子交换膜燃料电池的发展受到了广泛关注。 开发具有碱稳定性能优异、电导率高的阴离子交换膜材料成为了研究的热点。 阴离子交换膜(AEM)主要由聚合物骨架和阳离子基团组成,除了聚合物骨架结构,离子交换基团是影响膜碱稳定性和电导率的重要因素,因此,设计离子基团是提高膜性能的重要手段之一。 本文综述了近年来功能基团分别为季铵、胍基、咪唑鎓盐、季鏻、金属配合物、N-螺环季铵盐、哌啶和吡咯等阳离子交换基团的AEM的研究进展,其中包括不同种类阳离子交换基团的AEM的结构,碱稳定性能和OH^-电导率,同时对于含有阳离子交换基团的AEM的结构设计进行了分析和展望。     

低温质子交换膜燃料电池自增湿膜电极研究进展

具有自增湿能力的低温质子交换膜燃料电池膜电极是实现自增湿燃料电池的重要途径,对于燃料电池的商业化具有十分重要的意义,它不仅可以大幅度减小燃料电池系统的体积,提升燃料电池系统的输出功率密度,还可以有效降低燃料电池的制造成本. 目前,低温质子交换膜燃料电池自增湿膜电极的研究主要是集中在构建具有自增湿能力的质子交换膜、自增湿催化层和复合自增湿层三个方面. 本文主要从这三个方面系统介绍近年来国内外低温质子交换膜燃料电池自增湿膜电极方面的研究进展和发展趋势.     

混合导体透氧膜反应器中水分解反应研究进展

混合导体透氧膜反应器可以将供氧反应、氧分离和耗氧反应耦合在一个单元,实现反应和分离一体化,简化化工过程.水分解反应参与的混合导体透氧膜反应器能够实现氢气的制备和分离,近年来受到越来越多的关注.这篇文章综述了混合导体透氧膜反应器中水分解反应领域的研究进展,总结了包括膜材料、催化剂、操作条件等对透氧膜反应器中水分解反应的影响,分析了目前存在的问题,同时展望了该领域在膜材料、膜结构和催化剂开发等方面的未来发展方向,希望有助于促进膜反应器中水分解反应的研究.     

工业级碱性海水电解:近期进展和展望

由太阳能、风能和海洋等可再生能源驱动的工业级水分解产氢为能源和环境的可持续性发展开辟了一条极具潜力的道路。然而,在工业上最先进电解技术使用高纯水作为氢源,这将带来严重的淡水资源危机。海水分解为饮用水短缺提供了一条切实可行的解决途径,但仍面临规模工业化生产的巨大挑战。在这里,我们总结了海水分解的最新进展,包括反应机制、电极设计标准和直接海水分解的工业电解槽。深入讨论了应对海水电解中的关键挑战,如活性位点、反应选择性、耐腐蚀性和传质能力等的解决方案。此外,该文章重点总结了海水电解设备的最新发展,并提出了设计长寿命直接海水电解装置的有效策略。最后,我们对直接海水电解的未来机遇和挑战提出了自己的观点。     

碱性水电解阳极材料研究进展

本文述评了对工业电极材料的基本要求和提高阳极活性的几种途径, 列举了一系列用于碱性水电解的活性阳极材料, 在分析了材料物理化学特性与其催化活性之间的关系后, 着重利用σ^*键理论和MO 理论讨论了结构与性能之间的关系。     

Highly Water Resistant Anion Exchange Membrane for Fuel Cells

For anion exchange membranes (AEMs), achieving efficient hydroxide conductivity without excessive hydrophilicity presents a challenge. Hence, new strategies for constructing mechanically strengthened and hydroxide conductive (especially at controlled humidity) membranes are critical for developing better AEMs. Macromolecular modification involving ylide chemistry (Wittig reaction) for the fabrication of novel AEMs with an interpenetrating polymer network structure is reported. The macromolecular modification is cost effective, facile, and based on a one‐pot synthesis. AEM water uptake is reduced to 3.6 wt% and a high hydroxide conductivity (69.7 mS cm⁻¹, 90 °C) is achieved simultaneously. More importantly, the membrane exhibits similar tensile strength (>35 MPa) and comparable flexibility in both dry and wet states. These AEMs could find further applications within anion exchange membrane fuel cells with low humidity or photoelectric assemblies.

     

质子交换膜燃料电池梯度化膜电极

为实现质子交换膜燃料电池的高性能(高功率密度或大电流密度)、低成本(低铂载量)、长寿命发电,人们尝试在燃料电池的核心部件膜电极结构中引入梯度化设计的概念。梯度化膜电极包括膜电极中各组件的梯度化:气体扩散层的PTFE含量与孔隙率的梯度化,催化层的催化剂与Nafion用量的梯度化以及微孔层的疏水性与孔隙率的梯度化。梯度化膜电极中催化剂分布、孔隙率分布、亲/疏水性分布合理,具有良好的三相反应界面以及质子、电子、反应气体、水等多相物质高效传输通道,从而能满足在低铂载量、低加湿以及高电流密度条件下高性能稳定工作。本文整理了近几年来有关燃料电池梯度化膜电极研究的相关文献,梳理了梯度化膜电极研究发展脉络,归纳总结了各种梯度化膜电极的制备方法、性能以及构效关系,并展望了梯度化膜电极下一步研究方向,对高性能、低成本、长寿命的燃料电池开发具有指导意义。     

燃料电池用质子交换膜的研究进展

质子交换膜是燃料电池的重要组成部分。本文介绍了全氟磺酸膜的优缺点,对其进行改进的方法以及新型质子交换膜的发展情况,重点讨论了各类质子交换膜的制备、结构、性质以及它们在质子交换膜燃料电池(PEMFC)或直接甲醇燃料电池(DMFC)的应用,最后提出质子交换膜的发展趋势。     

质子交换膜燃料电池的研究进展

质子交换膜燃料电池(PEMFC)是一种高效节能、工作稳定、环境友好的理想发电装置.质子交换膜是PEMFC的核心组成,是一种选择透过性膜,主要起传导质子,分隔氧化剂与还原剂的作用.PEMFC用电催化剂有铂系和非铂系电催化剂,提高铂的利用率和开发非铂系催化剂是今后催化剂研究的主要方向.文中对电极的制备技术和电池的水管理、热管理方法也作了简要介绍.     

新型析氢析氧电化学催化剂在固体聚合物水电解体系的应用

固体聚合物水电解制氢技术在可再生能源利用和氢能经济发展中占有极其重要的地位,催化剂是实现高效能源转化的关键。由于聚合物水电解体系的强酸腐蚀性和高氧化电位,其实际应用的催化剂仍以Pt和Ir基催化剂为主。贵金属材料储量有限,价格昂贵,电催化剂成本很高,极大限制了聚合物水电解技术的发展。聚合物水电解催化剂的研究主要集中在降低贵金属用量、提高贵金属利用率和延长催化剂使用寿命等方面。此外,寻找廉价的替代材料,开发非贵金属析氢、析氧电催化剂也是研究的重要内容和发展方向。通过深入认识催化作用机理,结合快速发展的模拟、计算技术,设计制备新型高性能析氢、析氧电催化剂具有重要应用价值。本文总结了当前聚合物水电解体系析氢、析氧催化原理的发展,介绍了新型析氢、析氧催化剂的制备技术和性能研究及双效催化剂的发展,并对提高催化性能的措施做了简单总结和建议,希望对聚合物水电解体系催化剂的进一步研究和发展有积极意义。     

Molecular Modeling in Anion Exchange Membrane Research: A Brief Review of Recent Applications

Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) fuel cells have attracted growing interest, due to their encouraging advantages, including high power density and relatively low cost. AEM is a polymer matrix, which conducts hydroxide (OH−) ions, prevents physical contact of electrodes, and has positively charged head groups (mainly quaternary ammonium (QA) groups), covalently bound to the polymer backbone. The chemical instability of the quaternary ammonium (QA)-based head groups, at alkaline pH and elevated temperature, is a significant threshold in AEMFC technology. This review work aims to introduce recent studies on the chemical stability of various QA-based head groups and transportation of OH− ions in AEMFC, via modeling and simulation techniques, at different scales. It starts by introducing the fundamental theories behind AEM-based fuel-cell technology. In the main body of this review, we present selected computational studies that deal with the effects of various parameters on AEMs, via a variety of multi-length and multi-time-scale modeling and simulation methods. Such methods include electronic structure calculations via the quantum Density Functional Theory (DFT), ab initio, classical all-atom Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations, and coarse-grained MD simulations. The explored processing and structural parameters include temperature, hydration levels, several QA-based head groups, various types of QA-based head groups and backbones, etc. Nowadays, many methods and software packages for molecular and materials modeling are available. Applications of such methods may help to understand the transportation mechanisms of OH− ions, the chemical stability of functional head groups, and many other relevant properties, leading to a performance-based molecular and structure design as well as, ultimately, improved AEM-based fuel cell performances. This contribution aims to introduce those molecular modeling methods and their recent applications to the AEM-based fuel cells research community.     

碱性固体燃料电池碱性聚合物电解质膜的最新研究进展

最近,碱性聚合物电解质膜燃料电池（APEMFC）因具有电极反应动力学快以及不依赖于贵金属铂催化剂等诸多优点而成为一个热门话题. 作为其中一个关键部件,碱性聚合物电解质膜直接影响燃料电池的性能和成本.然而,迄今为止,仍然没有令人满意的碱性电解质膜材料. 为此,大量研究被开展和报道. 本文综述了近三年内文献中关于燃料电池碱性聚合物电解质膜的最新研究进展：包括各种各样的合成策略,构效关系,水管理以及非原位或原位稳定性测试等等. 尤其是一些新的金属离子基阴离子交换膜和冠醚基阴离子交换膜首次被提及和评论.此外,还进一步预测了将来的发展趋势.     

碱性固体燃料电池碱性聚合物电解质膜的最新研究进展

最近,碱性聚合物电解质膜燃料电池（APEMFC）因具有电极反应动力学快以及不依赖于贵金属铂催化剂等诸多优点而成为一个热门话题. 作为其中一个关键部件,碱性聚合物电解质膜直接影响燃料电池的性能和成本.然而,迄今为止,仍然没有令人满意的碱性电解质膜材料. 为此,大量研究被开展和报道. 本文综述了近三年内文献中关于燃料电池碱性聚合物电解质膜的最新研究进展：包括各种各样的合成策略,构效关系,水管理以及非原位或原位稳定性测试等等. 尤其是一些新的金属离子基阴离子交换膜和冠醚基阴离子交换膜首次被提及和评论.此外,还进一步预测了将来的发展趋势.     

Novel Crosslinked Alkaline Exchange Membranes Based on Poly(phthalazinone ether ketone) for Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Applications

Novel crosslinked anion exchange membranes based on poly(phthalazinone ether ketone) (PPEK) were successfully prepared through chloromethylation, quaternization, membrane casting and OH‐ ionic exchange reaction from the quaternized PPEK (QPPEK) membrane. The quaternization was performed with N‐methylimidazolium (MIm) as ammonium agent and tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) as crosslinking agent. The ion‐exchange capacity, swelling ratio (SR), water uptake (WU), and ionic conductivity of the QPPEK alkaline membranes have been systematically investigated. The results showed that QPPEK membranes have a high hydroxide conductivity and very low SR. For the QPPEK‐4 alkaline membrane with ion‐exchange capacity (IEC) 2.63 mmol/g, the WU was 35.8%, and the hydroxide conductivity was 0.028 S/cm at 30 °C and 0.032 S/cm at 70 °C, while its SR was only 7.6%. The thermal properties of the QPPEK alkaline membrane and CMPPEK were characterized using thermo‐gravimetric analysis measurements in a nitrogen atmosphere. The alkaline resistance of membrane QPPEK ?4 was also briefly investigated in 6 M KOH at 60 °C. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2013 , 51, 1632–1638     

碱性固体燃料电池碱性聚合物电解质膜的最新研究进展

最近,碱性聚合物电解质膜燃料电池(APEMFC)因具有电极反应动力学快以及不依赖于贵金属铂催化剂等诸多优点而成为一个热门话题.作为其中一个关键部件,碱性聚合物电解质膜直接影响燃料电池的性能和成本.然而,迄今为止,仍然没有令人满意的碱性电解质膜材料.为此,大量研究被开展和报道.本文综述了近三年内文献中关于燃料电池碱性聚合物电解质膜的最新研究进展:包括各种各样的合成策略,构效关系,水管理以及非原位或原位稳定性测试等等.尤其是一些新的金属离子基阴离子交换膜和冠醚基阴离子交换膜首次被提及和评论.此外,还进一步预测了将来的发展趋势.