Perovskite-Based Electrocatalysts for Cost-Effective Ultrahigh-Current-Density Water Splitting in Anion Exchange Membrane Electrolyzer Cell

Abstract

Development of cost-effective water splitting technology that allows low-overpotential operation at high current density with non-precious catalysts is the key for large-scale hydrogen production. Herein, it is demonstrated that the versatile perovskite-based oxides, usually applied for operating at low current density and room temperature in alkaline solution, can be developed into low-cost, highly active and durable electrocatalysts for operating at high current densities in a zero-gap anion exchange membrane electrolyzer cell (AEMEC). The composite perovskite with mixed phases of Ruddlesden–Popper and single perovskite is applied as the anode in AEMEC and exhibits highly promising performance with an overall water-splitting current density of 2.01 A cm−2 at a cell voltage of only 2.00 V at 60 °C with stable performance. The elevated temperature to promote anion diffusion in membrane boosts oxygen evolution kinetics by enhancing lattice-oxygen participation. The bifunctionality of perovskites further promises the more cost-effective symmetrical AEMEC configuration, and a primary cell with the composite perovskite as both electrodes delivers 3.00 A cm−2 at a cell voltage of only 2.42 V. This work greatly expands the use of perovskites as robust electrocatalysts for industrial water splitting at high current density with great practical application merit.