Ionomers in the catalyst layer play a critical role in the performance of fuel cells and electrolyzers. The phenyl adsorption on hydrogen oxidation catalysts and electrochemical oxidation of phenyl moieties on oxygen evolution catalysts are detrimental to the performance of anion exchange membrane fuel cells and electrolyzers, respectively. Here we present the importance of catalyst-ionomer interactions in alkaline fuel cells and electrolyzers by evaluating the adsorption energy of ionomer fragments. Then, we provide the direction to develop more advanced all-hydrocarbon ionomers for the electrochemical devices. This study establishes the phenyl adsorption energy-electrode performance relationship, highlighting the importance of material interactions between the catalysts and ionomers.

Importance of catalyst-ionomer interactions in alkaline fuel cells and electrolyzers

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