Hydrogen Production by Steam Electrolysis in Solid Acid Electrolysis Cells

Hydrogen production by steam electrolysis at intermediate temperatures has potential for both the high energy conversion efficiency and the flexible operability suitable for the utilization of renewable energy resources. Employment of proton-conducting solid acid electrolytes at around 200 °C is considered promising but has rarely been investigated. Here, steam electrolysis was performed at 160-220 °C using a solid acid electrolysis cell (SAEC) composed of a CsH₂ PO₄ /SiP₂ O₇ composite electrolyte and Pt/C electrodes. Hydrogen production was successfully demonstrated with Faraday efficiencies around 80 %. Key factors affecting the SAEC stability were investigated in detail for the first time. It was revealed that a certain part of the electrolyte migrated into the porous anode structure during the operation. The migrated electrolyte prevented the gas diffusion and flooded the Pt/C catalyst layer. It was also found that carbonaceous materials in the anode was oxidized, leading to the decrease in the number of electrochemically active sites. Based on the findings, Pt mesh was employed as an alternative anode. The SAEC with the Pt mesh anode showed superior stability, demonstrating the importance of the anode design. The present work provides a comprehensive view of the stability issues, which is essential for the development of durable and practical SAECs.