Performance of a PEM electrolyzer using RuIrCoOx electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution electrode

The Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzer (PEMWE) can be coupled to renewable energy sources (solar radiation and wave energy), which produce the necessary electricity for splitting the water. In this work the performance of a PEMWE using RuIrCoOx as anodic electrocatalyst had been examined. The oxide powder was synthesized using a chemical reduction method, followed by thermal oxidation. The electrochemical properties of the electrocatalysts were examined by cyclical and lineal voltammetry in 0.5 M H2SO4. It was found that RuIrCoOx oxide electrodes present a stable performance for OER. The PEMWE was designed and in-home built. Chrono-potentiometric experiments were recorded in the current range of 0.25 mA cm−2 to 75 mA cm−2 at 300 s. The current pulses length is chosen to be sufficiently long so that the voltage remains constant. Their intrinsic electrocatalytic activity in combination with their large surface area and stability are quite promising for the development of economically feasible electrocatalysts for (PEMWE).

► RuIrCoOx electrocatalyst was synthesized via a chemical route.
► The activity and stability of RuIrCoOx for OER were determined.
► The physical characterization showed homogeneous cluster of around 300 nm.
► The electrochemical performance was reproducible and stable.
► The current efficiency was up to 94%.