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A Roadmap to Low-Cost Hydrogen with Hydroxide Exchange Membrane Electrolyzers
Reza Abbasi1, Brian P Setzler1, Saisai Lin1
1Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Center for Catalytic Science and Technology, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, Newark, DE, 19716, USA.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|April 11, 2019
Summary
Hydroxide exchange membrane electrolyzers (HEMELs) offer a promising alternative for green hydrogen production. This technology could enable the use of cheaper materials and PGM-free catalysts, potentially matching PEMEL performance.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemical energy conversion
- Green hydrogen production
- Water electrolysis technologies
Background:
- Hydrogen is a key alternative energy carrier for grid, industrial, and transportation sectors.
- Water electrolysis is a zero-emission method for hydrogen production, compatible with diverse electricity sources.
- Alkaline (AELs) and proton exchange membrane electrolyzers (PEMELs) are established technologies, with PEMELs offering higher current densities but facing development challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the state-of-the-art in alkaline electrolyzers (AELs) and proton exchange membrane electrolyzers (PEMELs).
- To discuss the emerging potential of hydroxide exchange membrane electrolyzers (HEMELs) as an alternative technology.
- To analyze the cost-performance tradeoffs of electrocatalysts for HEMELs.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of AELs, PEMELs, and HEMELs based on existing literature.
- Evaluation of material requirements, including electrocatalysts, membranes, and ionomers.
- Assessment of performance metrics and cost factors for different electrolysis technologies.
Main Results:
- HEMELs present an opportunity to utilize platinum group metal (PGM)-free electrocatalysts and less expensive materials.
- HEMELs have the potential to achieve performance comparable to PEMELs.
- Key development areas for HEMELs include advancements in electrocatalysts, membranes, and ionomers to optimize cost-performance.
Conclusions:
- HEMELs represent a significant advancement in water electrolysis, offering a pathway to cost-effective green hydrogen production.
- Further research and development in HEMEL materials are crucial for realizing their full potential.
- The cost-performance tradeoff of PGM-free electrocatalysts is a critical factor for the commercial viability of HEMELs.
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