Anion-exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) is a recent and promising technology for producing green hydrogen, but it still faces major challenges in terms of performance and durability. Currently, the anodes used in AEMWE electrolyzers consist of two layers: a porous transport layer (PTL), which enables the circulation of electrolyte and gases, and an active layer made of catalysts and binders, where the electrochemical reactions take place. This configuration limits reactant diffusion and reduces the available active surface area, which negatively impacts overall performance.
This PhD project aims to develop an innovative anode based on non-critical materials by combining the advantages of both layers while minimizing their drawbacks. The idea is to functionalize the PTL directly by adding catalyst nanoparticles and/or by applying a surface activation treatment, in order to confer electrochemical activity. These modifications are expected to improve electron and reactant transport while increasing the active surface area for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER).
The work carried out in this thesis will involve functionalizing a pre-selected PTL and characterizing the resulting anodes through structural and electrochemical analyses. The expected outcomes include the development of an optimized anode with enhanced performance and limited degradation, as well as a deeper understanding of the limiting phenomena in AEMWE anodes. This project is part of a broader effort to develop sustainable technologies essential for the energy transition.