Recent Advances in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Water Electrolyzer Stack Development Studies: A Review

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWEs) present numerous advantages including high efficiency, compact design, and operation at high pressures and low temperatures.
• Their adaptability to renewable energy sources positions them as a crucial technology for sustainable hydrogen production.
• High costs associated with electrocatalysts and other components currently limit widespread adoption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize recent improvements in polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolyzer stack development.
• To provide an overview of PEMWE components, material technology, production, and commercialization.
• To discuss advancements in PEMWE stack development under various operating conditions.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent literature on polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolyzer technology.
• Analysis of working principles and component functions (membranes, gas diffusion layers, electrocatalysts, bipolar plates).
• Examination of material and production technologies, commercialization challenges, and stack advancements.

Main Results:

• PEMWEs offer significant advantages over other electrolysis technologies.
• Key components and their roles in PEMWEs have been detailed.
• Recent progress in stack development and material innovations for improved performance and cost-effectiveness has been highlighted.

Conclusions:

• Continued advancements in materials, production, and stack design are crucial for the commercial viability of PEMWEs.
• Addressing the cost of electrocatalysts and components is essential for widespread implementation.
• PEMWE technology holds significant promise for the future of green hydrogen production.