{"title":"Cathode catalyst layers modified with Brønsted acid oxides to improve proton exchange membrane electrolysers for impure water splitting","authors":"Ruguang Wang, Yuting Yang, Jiaxin Guo, Qinhao Zhang, Fahe Cao, Yunjian Wang, Lili Han, Tao Ling","doi":"10.1038/s41560-025-01787-9","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p>Proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysers typically use ultrapure water as feedstock because trace contaminants in feedwater, especially cationic impurities, can cause their failure. Developing PEM electrolysers that can withstand lower-purity water could minimize water pretreatment, lower maintenance costs and extend system lifetime. In this context, we have developed a microenvironment pH-regulated PEM electrolyser that can operate steadily in impure (‘tap’) water for more than 3,000 h at a current density of 1.0 A cm<sup>−2</sup>, maintaining a performance that is comparable to state-of-the-art PEM electrolysers that use pure water. Using a technique that combines a pH ultramicroelectrode with scanning electrochemical microscopy, we monitored the local pH conditions in a PEM electrolyser in situ, finding that Brønsted acid oxides can lower the local pH. We thus introduced a Brønsted acid oxide, MoO<sub>3−</sub><sub><i>x</i></sub>, onto a Pt/C cathode to create a strongly acidic microenvironment that boosts the kinetics of hydrogen production, inhibits deposition/precipitation on the cathode and suppresses the degradation of the membrane.</p>","PeriodicalId":19073,"journal":{"name":"Nature Energy","volume":"58 8 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":60.1000,"publicationDate":"2025-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Nature Energy","FirstCategoryId":"88","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41560-025-01787-9","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"ENERGY & FUELS","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysers typically use ultrapure water as feedstock because trace contaminants in feedwater, especially cationic impurities, can cause their failure. Developing PEM electrolysers that can withstand lower-purity water could minimize water pretreatment, lower maintenance costs and extend system lifetime. In this context, we have developed a microenvironment pH-regulated PEM electrolyser that can operate steadily in impure (‘tap’) water for more than 3,000 h at a current density of 1.0 A cm−2, maintaining a performance that is comparable to state-of-the-art PEM electrolysers that use pure water. Using a technique that combines a pH ultramicroelectrode with scanning electrochemical microscopy, we monitored the local pH conditions in a PEM electrolyser in situ, finding that Brønsted acid oxides can lower the local pH. We thus introduced a Brønsted acid oxide, MoO3−x, onto a Pt/C cathode to create a strongly acidic microenvironment that boosts the kinetics of hydrogen production, inhibits deposition/precipitation on the cathode and suppresses the degradation of the membrane.
质子交换膜(PEM)电解槽通常使用超纯水作为原料,因为原料水中的微量污染物,特别是阳离子杂质,会导致其失效。开发能够承受低纯度水的PEM电解器可以最大限度地减少水预处理,降低维护成本并延长系统寿命。在这种情况下,我们开发了一种微环境ph调节PEM电解槽,可以在不纯(“自来水”)水中稳定运行超过3000小时,电流密度为1.0 a cm - 2,保持与使用纯水的最先进PEM电解槽相当的性能。利用pH超微电极与扫描电化学显微镜相结合的技术,我们原位监测了PEM电解槽中的局部pH条件,发现Brønsted酸性氧化物可以降低局部pH。因此,我们在Pt/C阴极上引入Brønsted酸性氧化物MoO3−x,以创造一个强酸性微环境,促进氢生成动力学,抑制阴极上的沉积/沉淀,抑制膜的降解。
Nature EnergyEnergy-Energy Engineering and Power Technology
CiteScore
75.10
自引率
1.10%
发文量
193
期刊介绍:
Nature Energy is a monthly, online-only journal committed to showcasing the most impactful research on energy, covering everything from its generation and distribution to the societal implications of energy technologies and policies.
With a focus on exploring all facets of the ongoing energy discourse, Nature Energy delves into topics such as energy generation, storage, distribution, management, and the societal impacts of energy technologies and policies. Emphasizing studies that push the boundaries of knowledge and contribute to the development of next-generation solutions, the journal serves as a platform for the exchange of ideas among stakeholders at the forefront of the energy sector.
Maintaining the hallmark standards of the Nature brand, Nature Energy boasts a dedicated team of professional editors, a rigorous peer-review process, meticulous copy-editing and production, rapid publication times, and editorial independence.
In addition to original research articles, Nature Energy also publishes a range of content types, including Comments, Perspectives, Reviews, News & Views, Features, and Correspondence, covering a diverse array of disciplines relevant to the field of energy.