Novel, Low-Cost Solid Membrane Water Electrolyzer

75057-Transforming the United States from a fossil-fuel base economy to a ¿hydrogen economy¿ will require cost-effective methods for manufacturing and delivering hydrogen. The electrochemical dissociation of water into elemental hydrogen and oxygen is a well known and widely practiced means of generating hydrogen. However, commercially available water electrolysis technologies are capital-cost intensive, leading to high hydrogen costs. This project will develop a Solid Membrane Alkaline Electrolyzer system, based on a unique solid alkaline membrane, which is expected to provide high-current-density, high-differential-pressure electrolyzer operation. Phase I will develop the solid alkaline membrane, identify cell operating conditions, fabricate a three-cell stack, and prepare a preliminary design for the system. Phase II will demonstrate a complete system powered by a renewable energy source. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The hydrogen generation system should find use in hydrogen-fueled vehicles (both fuel cell and internal combustion-hydrogen), as part of a home-based hydrogen generator, in a bulk hydrogen generator for electric utility applications, and in on-board transportation power applications. Small hydrogen generators also could replace cylinders for the supply of hydrogen gas for analytical instrumentation.