INS6-1151
Supporting Electrolytes Govern Catalyst–Ionomer Interfaces in Pure-Water-Fed Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis
Topic
S6. Emerging Polymer and Hybrid Materials for Advanced Energy Storage and Conversion
When and Where
Sep 29, 2026
11:40 - 12:05
Room 311 & 312
Session Chairs
Jai Hyun KOH
Presenter(s)
Yu Seung Kim (Los Alamos National Laboratory)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
Polymer-based water electrolysis offers a compelling pathway for carbon-free hydrogen production. While proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers are commercialized, their reliance on expensive platinum-group metal (PGM) catalysts and perfluorosulfonic acids poses economic and environmental challenges. Anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers (AEMWEs) offer a more sustainable alternative, enabling the use of PGM-free catalysts and avoiding perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). However, their performance under pure water feed conditions remains limited in the absence of supporting electrolytes. In this study, we combine experimental analysis with computational modeling to identify the primary factor constraining the performance of pure water-fed AEMWEs. We reveal that supporting electrolytes play a crucial role in mitigating detrimental ionomer adsorption at the oxygen evolution catalyst interface. These findings suggest a strategic redirection in AEMWE development: rather than eliminating supporting electrolytes entirely, efforts should focus on minimizing while maintaining device performance. This approach could accelerate the realization of scalable, PGM and PFAS-free water electrolysis for sustainable hydrogen production.
