Fluoride emission rate analysis in proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer cells
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: The assessment of PEM water electrolyzer (PEMWE) degradation is essential for understanding their long-term durability and performance under real-world conditions. This research focuses on the fluoride emission rate (FER) as a crucial parameter during PEMWE operation. Two different FER analysis methods were evaluated, considering their feasibility and ease of integration into a PEMWE system. Various stressors were examined to gain insights into membrane degradation and explore potential mitigation strategies. The utilization of a photometric detection method allowed for the quantification of FER in each test. Results highlight a noteworthy correlation between applied stressors and FER, with variations depending on specific test conditions. An accelerated stress test conducted for 100 hours revealed a high FER at the anode of 0.83 μg h−1 cm−2 during the initial phase. Correspondingly, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) mapping showed a reduction in Nafion™ content on the catalyst-coated membrane (CCM) surfaces, likely impacting proton conductivity and performance. Electrochemical results further support these findings, indicating performance changes corresponding to the observed membrane degradation.
Source: Frontiers in Energy Research
Authors: Eveline Kuhnert, Mathias Heidinger, Anna Bernroitner, Özge Kiziltan, Erwin Berger, Viktor Hacker, Merit Bodner
Institutions: Graz University of Technology, Verbund (Austria)
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,795
Award: G1778964457
OpenAlex ID: W4404664676