Comparative Study of Epoxy-CsH₂PO₄ Composite Electrolytes and Porous Metal Based Electrocatalysts for Solid Acid Electrochemical Cells

• Main Authors: Laura Navarrete, Chung-Yul Yoo, José Manuel Serra
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-03-01
• Series: Membranes
• Subjects: acid salts; proton conductors; fuel cells; electrolyzers
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0375/11/3/196

Electrochemical cells based on acid salts (CsH₂PO₄) have attracted great interest for intermediate temperature, due to the outstanding proton conductivity of acid salts. In this work, electrodes and electrolyte were optimized following different strategies. An epoxy resin was added to the CsH₂PO₄ material to enhance the mechanical properties of the electrolyte, achieving good conductivity, enhanced stability, and cyclability. The electrodes configuration was modified, and Ni sponge was selected as active support. The infiltration of different oxide nanoparticles was carried out to tailor the electrodes resistance by promoting the electrocatalyst activity of electrodes. The selection of a cell supported on the electrode and the addition of an epoxy resin enables the reduction of the electrolyte thickness without damaging the mechanical stability of the thinner electrolyte.