On the Nature of Field-Enhanced Water Dissociation in Bipolar Membranes

Date Published
11/2021
Publication Type
Journal Article
Authors
DOI
10.1021/acs.jpcc.1c08276
Abstract

Bipolar membranes (BPMs) possess the potential to optimize pH environments for electrochemical synthesis applications when employed in reverse bias. Unfortunately, the performance of BPMs in reverse bias has long been limited by the rate of water dissociation (WD) occurring at the interface of the BPM. Herein, we develop a continuum model of the BPM that agrees with experiment to understand and enhance WD catalyst performance by considering multiple kinetic pathways for WD in the BPM junction catalyst layer. The model reveals that WD catalysts with a more highly alkaline or acidic pH at the point of zero charge (pHPZC) exhibit accelerated WD kinetics because the more acidic or alkaline pHPZC catalysts possess greater surface charge, enhancing the local electric field and rate of WD. The model is then employed to explore the sensitivity of the BPM performance to various BPM physical parameters. Finally, the model is used to simulate the operation of bimetallic WD catalysts, demonstrating that an optimal bimetallic catalyst has an acidic pHPZC catalyst matched with the cation-exchange layer and an alkaline pHPZC catalyst matched with the anion-exchange layer. The study provides insight into the operation of BPM WD catalysts and gives direction toward the development of next-generation WD catalysts for optimal BPM performance under water-splitting and related conditions.

Journal
The Journal of Physical Chemistry C
Volume
125
Year of Publication
2021
Issue
45
Pagination
24974 - 24987
ISSN Number
1932-7447
URL
Short Title
J. Phys. Chem. C
Refereed Designation
Refereed
Organizations
Research Areas
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