WC as a non-platinum hydrogen evolution electrocatalyst for high temperature PEM water electrolysers

Tungsten carbide (WC) nanopowder was tested as a non-platinum cathode electrocatalyst for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) water electrolysers, operating at elevated temperatures. It was prepared in thermal plasma reactor with confined plasma jet from WO3 precursor in combination with CH4 carburizing agent. The results of the investigation showed that the activity of tungsten carbide as cathode electrocatalyst increases significantly with temperature and this effect is more pronounced than for platinum, especially, at 150 °C.

► WC nanopowder was synthesized using the plasma reactor. ► WC showed enhanced activity towards the HER at elevated temperatures. ► Comparing with Pt, the increase of activity achieves its peak at 150 °C.