Proton exchange membrane water electrolysers (PEMWEs) represent an efficient and compact technology for hydrogen production. However, their widespread commercial adoption has been affected by the high costs associated with the fabrication of critical components such as the mesh flow distributor structures on the anode side. This component plays a crucial role in optimising two-phase (oxygen and water) counterflow distribution, enhancing electrical conductivity, and facilitating efficient heat transfer. The complex geometries required for these structures are challenging and costly to produce using conventional manufacturing techniques. This study investigates the potential of additive manufacturing technologies, specifically laser powder bed fusion, for fabricating titanium meshes with varying geometries. By controlling pore and strut shape and dimensions, meshes with tailored porosities and surface areas were produced and characterised using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Surface treatments were applied to enhance hydrophilicity for improving water transport to the catalyst layers and the treated surfaces were characterised. Moreover, the multifunctional potential of these mesh structures as electrodes was explored through anodisation, which generated nanoscale titanium dioxide (TiO₂) structures on the mesh surfaces. These hierarchically structured electrocatalysts are designed to reduce the reliance on expensive noble metals like platinum, offering cost reduction opportunities. The performance of the mesh electrodes was evaluated in the hydrogen evolution reaction, demonstrating their potential as multifunctional components in electrolyser systems.

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Additive Manufacturing of Multifunctional Electrolyser Components for Hydrogen Production

  • Fama Jallow,
  • Gerrit Ter Haar,
  • Craig McGregor,
  • Melody Neaves

摘要

Proton exchange membrane water electrolysers (PEMWEs) represent an efficient and compact technology for hydrogen production. However, their widespread commercial adoption has been affected by the high costs associated with the fabrication of critical components such as the mesh flow distributor structures on the anode side. This component plays a crucial role in optimising two-phase (oxygen and water) counterflow distribution, enhancing electrical conductivity, and facilitating efficient heat transfer. The complex geometries required for these structures are challenging and costly to produce using conventional manufacturing techniques. This study investigates the potential of additive manufacturing technologies, specifically laser powder bed fusion, for fabricating titanium meshes with varying geometries. By controlling pore and strut shape and dimensions, meshes with tailored porosities and surface areas were produced and characterised using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Surface treatments were applied to enhance hydrophilicity for improving water transport to the catalyst layers and the treated surfaces were characterised. Moreover, the multifunctional potential of these mesh structures as electrodes was explored through anodisation, which generated nanoscale titanium dioxide (TiO₂) structures on the mesh surfaces. These hierarchically structured electrocatalysts are designed to reduce the reliance on expensive noble metals like platinum, offering cost reduction opportunities. The performance of the mesh electrodes was evaluated in the hydrogen evolution reaction, demonstrating their potential as multifunctional components in electrolyser systems.