Observation of Preferential Pathways for Oxygen Removal through Porous Transport Layers of Polymer Electrolyte Water Electrolyzers
Date Published |
11/2020
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Publication Type | Journal Article
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Authors | |
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DOI |
10.1016/j.isci.2020.101783
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Abstract |
Understanding the relationships between porous transport layer (PTL) morphology and oxygen removal is essential to improve the polymer electrolyte water electrolyzer (PEWE) performance. Operando X-ray computed tomography and machine learning were performed on a model electrolyzer at different water flow rates and current densities to determine how these operating conditions alter oxygen transport in the PTLs. We report a direct observation of oxygen taking preferential pathways through the PTL, regardless of the water flow rate or current density (1-4 A/cm2). Oxygen distribution in the PTL had a periodic behavior with period of 400 μm. A computational fluid dynamics model was used to predict oxygen distribution in the PTL showing periodic oxygen front. Observed oxygen distribution is due to low in-plane PTL tortuosity and high porosity enabling merging of oxygen bubbles in the middle of the PTL and also due to aerophobicity of the layer. |
Journal |
iScience
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Volume |
23
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Year of Publication |
2020
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Issue |
12
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Pagination |
101783
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ISSN Number |
25890042
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Short Title |
iScience
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Refereed Designation |
Refereed
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Organizations | |
Research Areas | |
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