Influence of Contact Pressure on Hydrogen Crossover and Polarization Behavior in AEM Water Electrolysis

authored by: Jan Witte, Patrick Trinke, Boris Bensmann, Maik Becker, Richard Hanke-Rauschenbach, Thomas Turek
Abstract: Anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) holds the potential to become a key technology for future hydrogen production. In the present study, the influence of contact pressure on hydrogen crossover and polarization behavior is systematically investigated in a range from 0.5 MPa to 2.5 MPa in 0.5 MPa increments. The electrodes were prepared as catalyst-coated substrate (CCS), applying 3 mg cm⁻² NiFe₂O₄ on the anode substrate and 0.5 mg cm⁻² Pt on the cathode substrate. It is demonstrated that an elevated contact pressure results in a decreased high frequency resistance (R_HF), while simultaneously leading to a significantly increased hydrogen content on the anode side. At 3 A cm⁻² the ohmic resistance decreases by approx. 30 mΩ cm² when increasing the contact pressure from 0.5 MPa to 2.5 MPa, whereas the anodic hydrogen content increased by approx. 1.5 vol.% respectively. Additionally, it can be observed that the selection of the gas diffusion layer (GDL) material has a strong effect on hydrogen crossover, while the influence on cell voltage is insignificant. Overall, these results show a promising starting point for further investigations on the interactions between cathode properties, cell compression and anodic gas contamination.
Organisation(s): Institute of Electric Power Systems
External Organisation(s): Clausthal University of Technology
Type: Article
Journal: Journal of the Electrochemical Society
Volume: 172
ISSN: 0013-4651
Publication date: 13.01.2025
Publication status: Published
Peer reviewed: Yes
ASJC Scopus subject areas: Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials, Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment, Condensed Matter Physics, Surfaces, Coatings and Films, Electrochemistry, Materials Chemistry
Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy
Electronic version(s): https://doi.org/10.1149/1945-7111/ad9cce (Access: Open)