Metal-based cathodes for hydrogen production by alkaline water electrolysis: Review of materials, degradation mechanism, and durability tests

Esfandiari N, Aliofkhazraei M, Colli AN, Walsh FC, Cherevko S, Kibler LA, Elnagar MM, Lund PD, Zhang D, Omanovic S, Lee J (2024)

Publication Type: Journal article, Review article

Publication year: 2024

Journal

Progress in Materials Science Elsevier

Book Volume: 144

Article Number: 101254

DOI: 10.1016/j.pmatsci.2024.101254

Abstract

The Department of Energy (DOE) has identified the reduction of H2 production costs as a prominent objective. Therefore, any factor that influences the system's functionality and subsequently production cost is deemed significant. The stability of the cathode is a crucial factor in ensuring high operational reliability; however, its treatment in the existing literature remains inadequate. This review aims to identify the key challenges associated with the stability of HER electrodes and provides a comprehensive understanding of various cathodic degradation mechanisms. In the present investigation, genuine circumstances encountered by cathodes in the industrial sector are considered. Special attention is devoted to Fe-based materials, which are deemed favorable and economical options, whereas the deterioration mechanism of Ni-based counterparts, such as cutting-edge materials, is scrutinized. Furthermore, the limitations of using the E-pH diagram, which is a commonly employed tool for predicting stable phases under specific conditions, are discussed. In addition, the cost implications of developing alkaline water electrolyzer (AWEL) stacks are considered. Finally, a comprehensive discussion is presented on the durability of cathode plates, including an analysis of the factors that impact their predicted lifetime and protocols that facilitate the acquisition of more realistic stability results.

Involved external institutions

Tarbiat Modares University IR Iran, Islamic Republic of (IR) University of South Florida (USF) US United States (USA) (US) Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KUL) / Catholic University of Leuven BE Belgium (BE) University of Southampton GB United Kingdom (GB) Forschungszentrum Jülich / Research Centre Jülich (FZJ) DE Germany (DE) Universität Ulm DE Germany (DE) Aalto University Espoo FI Finland (FI) University of Western Australia (UWA) AU Australia (AU) McGill University CA Canada (CA) Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) / 광주과학기술원 KR Korea, Republic of (KR)

How to cite

APA:

Esfandiari, N., Aliofkhazraei, M., Colli, A.N., Walsh, F.C., Cherevko, S., Kibler, L.A.,... Lee, J. (2024). Metal-based cathodes for hydrogen production by alkaline water electrolysis: Review of materials, degradation mechanism, and durability tests. Progress in Materials Science, 144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmatsci.2024.101254

MLA:

Esfandiari, Naeemeh, et al. "Metal-based cathodes for hydrogen production by alkaline water electrolysis: Review of materials, degradation mechanism, and durability tests." Progress in Materials Science 144 (2024).

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