Recombination catalyst effect on AEM properties for AEMWE application

Anion Exchange Membrane Water electrolysis (AEMWE) is an emerging technology alternative to traditional Alkaline Water Electroysis (AWE), due to the advantage to operate with cheap non-platinum or non-precious group metal catalysts while concentrated KOH can be replaced by diluted alkaline solutions. AEMWE is not yet as durable as AWE, as catalysts, membranes and electrodes tend to degrade under the desired operating conditions. In particular, thinner membranes can increase cross-over of H2 into the O2 stream, creating a safety risk. In situ radical generation is the main cause of membrane chemical degradation. [1] Different strategies have been developed to improve the electrolysers safety characteristics, among these, recombination catalyst (RC) for the hydrogen permeated to oxygen site are most investigated.[2] The approach is generally based on the use of a hydrogen oxidation catalyst at the interface with the membrane and an anode catalyst layer. In this work the approach is the development of membranes containing Pt recombination catalyst dispersed in the polymer matrix for reducing the anodic hydrogen content.