Next-generation anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers operating for commercially relevant lifetimes

摘要

Alkaline anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolysis has gained increasing attention due to its potential to achieve low-cost, high performance hydrogen production. However, most existing membranes are not durable in industrial settings. Here, we demonstrate good performance relative to industrial parameters using Sustainion (R) anion exchange membranes. Long-duration tests showed stable performance of 1 A/cm(2) at 1.85 V with a degradation rate of less than 1 mu V/h over 10,000 h. The projected lifetime is thus over 20 years. Daily on/off cycling performance over the course of 30 years was simulated experimentally through accelerated voltage shock tests, resulting in a performance loss of only 0.15 mu V/cycle over 11,000 cycles. As shown through impact and crossover testing, an improvement in performance is achieved by the addition of zirconia to the polymer matrix and mechanically reinforcing the membrane. (C) 2020 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.