Patterned Pt-TiO₂ coated flow field plates in PEM water electrolyzers for hydrogen production

This work investigates the use of Ti6Al4V as flow field plates in PEM-based electrolyzer stacks, utilizing its good corrosion resistance and high mechanical strength. The study explores the development of durable conductive coatings on Ti6Al4V surfaces. The coated surfaces are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), showing the characteristic peaks of Pt deposited and the presence of Pt, PtO₂, and TiO₂ after thermal oxidation. Field emission scanning electron microscopy reveals a uniform Pt coating on Ti6Al4V with a thickness of 2–3 µm. Potentiodynamic studies revealed improved corrosion resistance with a corrosion current density of 2.1 µA·cm⁻² in Ti6Al4V-PA-AD-TO compared to Ti6Al4V. Stability under 2 V vs. SHE for 5 h in a PEM water electrolyzer anodic environment is demonstrated, along with an evaluation of performance in a PEM electrolyzer single cell. The durability of the developed coating is assessed over 100 h in a single-cell setup, offering insights into cost-effective PEM-based electrolyzer stacks. The reduction of reliance on precious metals and the enhancement of durability provide a promising method for achieving economic viability in the production of hydrogen through water electrolysis.