Publication
Title
Insight into the mechanisms of high activity and stability of iridium supported on antimony-doped tin oxide aerogel for anodes of proton exchange membrane ater electrolyzers
Author
Abstract
The use of high amounts of iridium in industrial proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWE) could hinder their widespread use for the decarbonization of society with hydrogen. Nonthermally oxidized Ir nanoparticles supported on antimony-doped tin oxide (SnO2:Sb, ATO) aerogel allow decreasing the use of the precious metal by more than 70% while enhancing the electrocatalytic activity and stability. To date, the origin of these benefits remains unknown. Here, we present clear evidence of the mechanisms that lead to the enhancement of the electrochemical properties of the catalyst. Operando near-ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy on membrane electrode assemblies reveals a low degree of Ir oxidation, attributed to the oxygen spill-over from Ir to SnO2:Sb. Furthermore, the formation of highly unstable Ir(III) species is mitigated, while the decrease of Ir dissolution in Ir/SnO2:Sb is confirmed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The mechanisms that lead to the high activity and stability of Ir catalysts supported on SnO2:Sb aerogel for PEMWE are thus unveiled.
Language
English
Source (journal)
ACS catalysis. - -
Publication
2020
ISSN
2155-5435
DOI
10.1021/ACSCATAL.9B04449
Volume/pages
10 :4 (2020) , p. 2508-2516
ISI
000516887400011
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
INSIDE: In-situ Diagnostics in Water Electrolyzers
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier c:irua:167147
Creation 19.03.2020
Last edited 02.01.2025
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