CO₂-free energy circulation system—Polymer electrolyte alcohol electro-synthesis cell with a low iridium content anode based on in situ growth method

Alcohol is considered as a potential CO₂-free energy carrier to replace hydrogen because of its high energy density, appropriate chemical stability and low-cost production. In this study, we describe the development of a simple in situ growth method to prepare a binder free IrO_x-Ti anode with a very low IrO_x loading amount (< 0.25 mg cm⁻²), and the obtained catalyst shows a high oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity and durability in acidic media. The performance of a polymer electrolyte alcohol electrosynthesis cell (PEAEC) using this anode catalyst shows a better performance than that of PEAEC using a typical commercial IrO₂-Ti paper anode with the loading of IrO₂ = 3 mg cm⁻². Furthermore, the key factors that affect the performance of the PEAEC are determined by comparing the performances of the PEAEC with different anode catalysts.