Conductive all-polymer gas diffusion electrode

Researchers at Purdue University have developed an innovative technology to enhance gas diffusion layers (GDLs) in electrochemical reactors, addressing common issues such as electrolyte flooding and stability limitations. This novel approach uses a porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) layer combined with a conductive polymer, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), which improves the material's overall stability and performance. By directly connecting the PTFE with the PEDOT layer, the new design exhibits resistance to electrolyte flooding, significantly enhancing long-term stability without compromising electrochemical performance. This advancement is especially beneficial in electrochemical device manufacturing and chemical production systems in which improved reactor efficiency is critical. This technology has potential applications in green energy solutions, such as fuel cells and electrolyzers.

Technology Validation:

Multiple experiments were performed to assess the advantages of the novel proposed technology. The electrochemically synthesized PEDOT-PTFE membrane was fabricated and characterized. Additionally, a comparison was also conducted between the proposed PEDOT-PTFE and conventional carbon-based GDL which resulted in PEDOT-PTFE overcoming the challenges associated with traditional approaches.

Advantages:

-Exhibited similar electrochemical performance to traditional approaches

-Enhanced long-term stability

-Resistant to electrolyte flooding

-Enhanced reaction efficiency

Applications:

-Electrochemical manufacturing

-Chemical production

Publication:

https://pubs.rsc.org/en/Content/ArticleLanding/2025/EE/D4EE04163A

TRL: 2

Intellectual Property:

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