Performance correlation of self-supported electrodes in half-cell and single-cell tests for water electrolysis

Efficient water electrolyzer systems are essential for clean hydrogen production. Several studies have been conducted on the development of highly active catalysts; however, most of their performance evaluation is limited to half-cell tests, which is not representative of a practical device. Here, an experimental protocol, consisting of electrode fabrication, half-cell test, single-cell fabrication, and single-cell test, has been proposed. A simple, rapid, and cost-effective electrodeposition method has been employed to fabricate self-supported electrodes, which are directly used as cathodes in proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers. Under the protocol used for various electrodes, the correlation of electrode performance between half-cell and single-cell tests has been investigated.