A Bifunctional Nanostructured RuPt/C Electrocatalyst for Energy Storage Based on the Chlor-Alkali Process

Abstract

This study focuses on the design of a novel electrode for an energy storage system utilizing EDEN (electrochemical-based decarbonizing energy) technology. This technology implies a chlor-alkali electrochemical cell with dual functionality: first, the electrolysis of water and NaCl to produce hydrogen (H2) and chlorine (Cl2), and subsequently, the utilization of these products in an H2/Cl2 fuel cell to generate electricity. Bimetallic RuPt nanoparticles have been synthesized on Vulcan carbon (C-V) from organometallic precursors to be used as electrocatalysts. Characterization includes transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). The RuPt/C-V-based electrode demonstrated notable performance in the target reversible electrochemical cell, acting as the anode for electrolysis and as the cathode in fuel-cell mode. Testing in a 3D-printed electrochemical cell revealed high efficiency, with a coulombic efficiency exceeding 96% for hydrogen production, yielding 11.75 mg·Wh−1 and achieving a power output of approximately 4.5 mW·cm−2 in H2/Cl2 fuel-cell operation.