Proceedings of MATSUS Spring 2025 Conference (MATSUSSpring25)
Publication date: 16th December 2024
Electrochemical CO₂ reduction is among the most promising techniques for achieving net-zero carbon emissions. However, the stability of the electrolyzer systems remains a critical challenge for industrial implementation, mainly hindered by electrolyte flooding of gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs). Flooding occurs when electrolyte penetrates gas diffusion channels and blocks gas transport pathways and active catalytic sites, which severely impairs catalytic performance. To address this issue, this study integrates innovative visualization techniques to investigate flooding mechanisms and their evolution, and proposes mitigation strategies based on these findings.
In this study, a CO₂ reduction platform was established using an advanced zero-gap cathode model electrolyzer and gas diffusion electrodes coated with a thin layer of high-performance Ag nanowires catalysts. With a concentrated alkaline electrolyte fed to the anode side, this setup facilitates the conversion of CO₂ to CO at industrially relevant current densities, subjecting the GDEs to accelerated flooding conditions. A novel combination of Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP–MS) was developed to visualize and quantify electrolyte penetration depth and distribution within the GDEs. The findings reveal that flooding is influenced by material properties, particularly pore structures. Cracks in the microporous layer (MPL) of GDEs were identified as preferential pathways for excess electrolyte drainage. The study also observed that intruded electrolyte is expelled from the GDE structure through cracks and perspired outward with CO₂, thereby preventing micropores from flooding and maintaining effective CO₂ transport channels. This ensures stable catalytic activity over time.
This comprehensive study underscores the importance of water management in mitigating flooding and highlights the role of precise material engineering in enhancing GDE efficiency. By providing critical insights into improving the durability of GDEs, this study contributes to the development of sustainable and scalable CO₂ electrolysis technologies.
This work was created as part of NCCR Catalysis (Grant No. 180544), a National Centre of Competence in Research funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. Kong, Y., Hu, H., Liu, M. acknowledge the financial support by the Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC). Kolivoška, V. acknowledges financial support from the Czech Science Foundation (Project number 18-09848S). Vesztergom, S. acknowledges support from the National Research, Development and Innovation Office of Hungary (NKFIH grant FK135375).
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