A minireview on 3D printing for electrochemical water splitting electrodes and cells

Abstract

The adoption of additive manufacturing (also known as 3D printing) for electrochemically related applications is receiving increased attention from the research community, particularly for water electrolysis driven by renewable energy. Additive manufacturing has demonstrated its great potential in the structural design of complex geometry and customization. Given the recent development of several fast-prototyping materials and methods, examining the gaps of electrocatalytic electrode materials and apparatus between the lab scale and industrial scale is important. In this paper, we have summarized the state-of-art 3D printing technologies and 3D printing techniques used in water electrolysis systems—both electrodes and reaction cells. The suitability and advantages of 3D printing methods in developing and designing water-splitting reaction systems are thoroughly discussed. In addition, recent progress demonstrating 3D-printed electrodes and water-splitting cells is reviewed. Finally, future directions for this developing field of research are given along with current difficulties.