Fluorine-Free Membranes for PEM Electrolyzers

C56-18k-272479Although PEM electrolysis is a leading technology for the production of green hydrogen, its reliance on PFSA membranes containing forever chemicals— along with bans on those chemicals coming into force soon — means that alternatives need to be found. The goal of the proposed research is to create new, fluorine-free membranes that could be used in place of fluorinated membranes in PEM electrolyzers. In Phase I work, Dioxide Materials’ staff will do initial work to develop a composite membrane that shows conductivity similar to PFSA, can run at 10 bar, and contains no fluorine. Two key parts of the work are i) developing a base membrane that has a high enough conductivity and strength to be used in a PEM electrolyzer, and ii) developing a protective coating to minimize degradation under operating conditions. Upon success, Dioxide Materials will be synthesizing and selling new proton exchange membranes designed for PEM electrolysis at high pressure creating new jobs and revenues for U.S. manufacturers.