Three-Dimensional Numerical Simulation of the Performance and Transport Phenomena of Oxygen Evolution Reactions in a Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzer.

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis, which is one of methods of hydrogen production with the most potential, has attracted more attention due to its energy conversion and storage potential. In this paper, a steady state, three-dimensional mathematical model coupled with the electrochemical and mass transfer physical fields for a PEM water electrolyzer was established. The influence of the different operation parameters on the cell performance was discussed.

Discovery of true electrochemical reactions for ultrahigh catalyst mass activity in water splitting.

Better understanding of true electrochemical reaction behaviors in electrochemical energy devices has long been desired. It has been assumed so far that the reactions occur across the entire catalyst layer (CL), which is designed and fabricated uniformly with catalysts, conductors of protons and electrons, and pathways for reactants and products. By introducing a state-of-the-art characterization system, a thin, highly tunable liquid/gas diffusion layer (LGDL), and an innovative design of electrochemical proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cells (PEMECs), the electrochemical reactions on both microspatial and microtemporal scales are revealed for the first time.