Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) has extensive experience, tools, and methodologies in colloidal science for characterizing complex catalyst inks and dispersions and linking their properties to their function and formation of catalyst layers, membranes, and ionomer films in membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs). The linkages are mainly accomplished through mathematical modeling of the governing phenomena in inks and dispersions, which are validated through advanced characterization tools. These tools have been honed for fuel cells and are applicable to PEM and AEM water electrolysis applications. This is a fundamental node that is geared towards exploring the controlling forces and properties that enable translation from inks to as-formed structures. These engineered catalyst layers and membranes can then be characterized in electrolysis operational tests. As advanced materials for water splitting devices have unknown and unknowable interactions in ink and dispersion form, compared to state of the art precious metal materials and commercial ionomers, this process is the Achilles heel of many scale up and related efforts. Such knowledge gaps are bridged by LBNL expertise and the underlying science-based approach.

The following tools are available in addition to expert knowledge to guide interpretation of results:

• Rheometer, Dynamic/Electrophoretic Light Scattering, Beam line X-ray techniques, Quartz crystal microbalance dissipation, cryo electron microscopy
• Multiscale models to describe interactions of components within the inks

Electrode fabrication can be done using the following tools:

• Ultrasonic spray coater, Blade casting

Resulting catalyst layers can be characterized with the following tools:

• X-ray fluorescence, conductivity, dynamic vapor sorption, porosity, atomic force microscopy, hydrogen transport properties, scanning electron microscopy, electrolysis testing
• Models to describe the catalyst layer structure on multiscale transport and electrochemical performance

The work in this node is synergistic with nodes related to benchmarking performance and characterization of structures, as well as the manufacturing node dedicated towards exploring different processing methods and subsequent respective ink optimization.