Supported IrxRu1-xO2 anode catalysts for PEM-water electrolysis

Since PEM-water electrolysis (PEMWE) produces very pure H2, reacts fast and well to dynamic load conditions and is technologically simple, it could play a large role in a future hydrogen economy. One way to alleviate the drawback of expensive noble metal catalysts is to disperse the active component on a support. Tungsten oxide and tungsten carbide were investigated here comparing different synthesis routes. Adam's fusion and hydrolysis route with the addition of support during different stages of the synthesis and mechanical mixing of catalyst and support were investigated and compared. Rotating Disk Electrode (RDE) measurements show high currents for mechanically mixed samples and samples obtained via hydrolysis with a WO3 precursor. Single cell tests confirm catalyst activity and stability. Further studies are needed to completely understand catalyst behavior, especially fast activity loss during RDE.