High Temperature High Efficiency PEM Electrolysis

Electrolysis of water is an important tool for automotive hydrogen refueling and renewable energy storage applications. The current membranes for electrolysis suffer from low efficiency, low mechanical strength and high hydrogen crossover at the high pressures needed for direct refueling. The DOE has identified a need for high-pressure electrolyzer efficiencies to reach 76% based on lower heating value of hydrogen by 2015. The completion of this proposed project will satisfy this goal with a novel high-efficiency, durable membrane for high-pressure electrolysis. This project will examine different membrane chemistries and additives in an effort to increase electrolyzer efficiency through a novel MEA. This MEA will be operated at higher than usual temperature and will withstand operation at high differential pressure through the use of this company’s proprietary technology. Phase I will consist of fabricating membranes of various chemistries with the goal of increasing high-pressure efficiency. These membranes will be extensively characterized, with the top performers identified by the end of Phase I. Phase II will encompass short-term durability and performance testing of the membranes as electrolysis membrane electrode assemblies in moderate-pressure cells, with tasks for further membrane improvement from data gathered. Phase II ends with long-term durability testing of the top MEAs in multi-cell stack configurations and full (5000 psi) pressure. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits This technology is essential for commercial hydrogen refueling and energy storage from green sources such as wind and solar.