(480b) From PGM to Low PGM to PGM-Free Catalyst Layers for AEM Electrolyzers

Anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers (AEMELs) have been widely touted as the holy grail for renewable water electrolysis – combining the advantages of PEM electrolyzers (high current density, high pressure operation, etc.) with the advantages of traditional alkaline electrolyzers (e.g. the use of low cost components). To date, the potential for AEMELs to supplant these two incumbent technologies has not been realized due to a number of issues. One of the most pressing issues is the activity and durability of catalysts, necessitating the use of high loadings of platinum group metal (PGM) catalysts at both the anode and cathode. This talk will discuss the optimization of PGM-based electrodes to improve performance as well as the transition of the learning involved in that development to low-PGM and PGM-free catalyst layers. The primary focus of the talk will be on performance and durability as PGM-based materials are replaced at the anode and cathode. The talk will conclude by defining pathways for future research.