Transition Metal Phosphide-Based Membrane Electrode Assembly for Cost-Effective Production of H2

This paper demonstrates the potential use of affordable, and efficient electrocatalysts, which can maintain the efficiency and stability of platinum-group metals in water-splitting. The study focuses on the optimization and setup of a PEM electrolyzer, alongside the development of new methods for preparing membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) using cost-effective and efficient catalyst materials. The integration of a fibrous membrane layer into the MEA architecture represents a promising design strategy, offering excellent structural and transport properties. Herein, a simple preparation method for modified NiCoP electrocatalysts in the form of carbon fibers is presented, using needleless electrospinning combined with airbrush spraying of an Ir-black solution onto a perfluorosulfonic membrane (Nafion), later pressed together with NiCoP carbon fibers to form a custom-made MEA. For electrochemical testing, custom made MEA was directly evaluated in the PEM electrolyzer setup, providing a preliminary demonstration of overall performance and stability.