High-performance and durable water electrolysis using a highly conductive and stable anion-exchange membrane. (19th February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kang, Sun Young; Park, Ji Eun; Jang, Ga Young; Kim, Ok-Hee; Kwon, Oh Joong; Cho, Yong-Hun; Sung, Yung-Eun
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 47:Number 15(2022)
• Page Start: 9115
• Page End: 9126
• Publication Date: 2022-02-19
• Subjects: Anion-exchange membrane water electrolysis -- Membrane-electrode assembly -- Aryl-ether free anion-exchange membrane -- Hydrogen production; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.01.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: The commercialization of anion-exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) is crucial to produce low-cost and high-purity hydrogen. However, water electrolysis with an anion-exchange membrane (AEM) has limitations such as its low ionic conductivity and stability, leading to low performance and durability of AEMWE. In this study, we developed high-performance and stable AEMWE employing an AEM without aryl-ether backbone structure. To achieve high-performance and durable AEMWE, the effect of various parameters that is suitable for the adapted AEM was investigated. As a result, the AEM adapted in this work performed much better and was more durable than the conventional AEM (FAA-3). Moreover, it exhibited high efficiency under pure water feeding conditions. These results were attributed to high-efficient and durable AEM caused by its absence of aryl-ether backbone. This work suggests the potential use of polyphenylene structure as aryl-ether free backbone of AEM on AEMWE operated using alkaline solution and/or pure water. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Highly conductive and stable anion-exchange membrane is proposed. Effect of aryl-ether on polymer backbone is investigated. The aryl-ether free anion-exchange membrane shows superior performance and stability. The aryl-ether free membrane has a potential to operating with pure water.