Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis at 10 A ⋅ cm<sup>−2</sup> Over 800 Hours

In plain language

This research addresses the challenge of operating anion exchange membrane water electrolysers (AEMWEs) at ultrahigh current densities for green hydrogen production. While AEMWEs are a potentially cost-effective technology, benchmark devices typically fail quickly when pushed beyond 3 A·cm⁻². The study demonstrates that by using a more conductive and robust anion exchange membrane, along with careful selection of ionomers, catalysts, and porous transport layers, AEMWEs can achieve stable operation at 10 A·cm⁻². The optimised device maintained performance for over 800 hours, representing a significant improvement in operational lifetime. Crucially, the cell voltage at this high current density was comparable to state-of-the-art devices operating at much lower current densities.

Key takeaways

Anion exchange membrane water electrolysers (AEMWEs) are a promising technology for cost-effective green hydrogen production.
Operating AEMWEs at ultrahigh current densities (10 A·cm⁻²) is challenging, with benchmark devices failing rapidly.
Optimised AEMWEs, incorporating a more conductive and robust membrane and specific material choices, can operate stably at 10 A·cm⁻².
The developed AEMWE achieved an operational lifetime exceeding 800 hours at 10 A·cm⁻², a substantial improvement over existing benchmarks.
The cell voltage of the optimised device at 10 A·cm⁻² (2.3 V) is comparable to state-of-the-art devices operating at much lower current densities.

Why it matters

This work is important because it advances the efficiency and longevity of green hydrogen production. By enabling stable operation of water electrolysers at ultrahigh current densities, it offers a pathway to significantly reduce the overall cost of producing hydrogen, a crucial component for sustainable energy systems and industrial processes.

Commercialisation angle

This research is early-stage, demonstrating the potential for more efficient green hydrogen production. It could enable the development of next-generation AEMWEs for industrial hydrogen producers and energy companies, offering a more cost-effective method for generating hydrogen. The findings suggest a pathway to reduce the capital and operational expenditure associated with electrolysis, moving towards more economically viable large-scale hydrogen production.

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Abstract

Abstract Anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer (AEMWE) is a potentially cost‐effective technology for green hydrogen production. Although the normal current densities of AEMWEs are below 3 A ⋅ cm −2 , operating them at higher current densities represents an efficient, but little‐explored approach to decrease the total cost of hydrogen production. We show here that a benchmark AEMWE has an operational lifetime of only seconds at an ultrahigh current density of 10 A ⋅ cm −2 . By using a more conductive and robust AEM, and judicious choices of ionomers, catalyst, and porous transport layer, we have developed AEMWEs that stably operate at 10 A ⋅ cm −2 with extended lifetimes. The optimized AEMWE has an operational lifetime of more than 800 hours, a 5‐order magnetite improvement over the current benchmark. The cell voltage is only 2.3 V at 10 A ⋅ cm −2 , comparable to those of the state‐of‐the‐art devices operating at current densities lower than 3 A ⋅ cm −2 . This work demonstrates the potential of ultrahigh current density AEMWEs.

Research topics

Membrane-based Ion Separation Techniques
Fuel Cells and Related Materials
Hydrogen Storage and Materials

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