Hydrogen production via PEM electrolysis

A new generation of high performing polymer electrolyte membranes with ultralow platinum group metal loading (in total 0.44 mgPGM cm-2) has been developed and characterized. High performance was achieved for MEAs based on the short-side chain Aquivion membrane (E98-09S), stabilized Solvay ionomer (D98-06ASX), and optimized catalysts developed by CNR-ITAE (cathode 40% Pt on C and anode: Ir0.7Ru0.3OX). The high performance was verified on several scales ranging from small single cells (3-8cm2) at CNR-ITAE and IRD to short three-cell stacks at ITM, the latter MEAs having an active area of 130cm2. A 4000-h single cell steady-state test at 3 Acm-2 shows that the degradation rate of the ultralow PGM MEAs is 8µV/h. Minimal reversible degradation was recorded at 80°C although this is pronounced at low temperature (55°C). Current and thermal cycling proved to have limited impact on degradation.