Shaun Alia
Senior Scientist
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Date: February 26, 2025
Time: 1000-1100h ET
This webinar details recent efforts in proton exchange membrane-based low temperature electrolysis degradation focused on losses due to simulated start-stop operation and anode catalyst layer redox transitions. Ex situ testing indicated that repeated redox cycling accelerates catalyst dissolution due to near-surface reduction and the higher dissolution kinetics of metals when cycling to high potentials. Similar results occurred in situ, where a large decrease in cell kinetics was found, along with iridium migrating from the anode catalyst layer into the membrane. Additional processes were observed, however, and included changes in catalyst oxidation, the formation of thinner and denser catalyst layers, and platinum migration from the transport layer coating. Complicating factors, including the loss of water flow and temperature control were evaluated, where a higher rate of interfacial tearing and delamination were found. Current efforts focus on bridging these studies into a more relevant field test and include evaluating the possible differences in catalyst reduction through an electrochemical process versus hydrogen exposure, either direct or through crossover. These studies seek to identify degradation mechanisms and voltage loss acceleration, and to demonstrate the impact of operational stops on electrolyzer lifetime.
An interactive Q&A session follows the presentation.
Benefits of attending the webinar
Learn about:
- How operational stops impact degradation voltage loss rates in low temperature electrolysis;
- How catalyst differences impact electrolyzer degradation due to operational stops;
- The role potentiostats and power supplies can play in masking start-stop degradation.
Presenter
Shaun Alia is Senior Scientist at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). He has worked in areas related to electrochemical energy conversion and storage including proton and anion exchange membrane-based electrolyzers and fuel cells, direct methanol fuel cells, capacitors, and batteries. His current research involves understanding electrochemical and degradation processes, component development, and materials integration and optimization. Within HydroGEN, a part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Materials network, Dr. Alia has focused on low temperature electrolysis through NREL capabilities in materials development and ex and in situ characterization. He also works on in situ durability, diagnostics, and accelerated stress test development for H2@Scale and H2NEW.
Dr. Alia completed a PhD in Chemical and Environmental Engineering at the University of California, Riverside in 2011, followed by a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Delaware (2011-2012) and Postdoctoral Research Associate position at NREL (2012-2015). He joined the staff at NREL in 2015 as Staff Scientist and was named Senior Scientist in 2021.
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