(Electro)chemical and Mechanical Degradation Studies of Commercial Proton Exchange Membranes in HCl/Cl 2 Systems for Hydrogen/Chlorine Production
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis is a cornerstone technology for sustainable hydrogen production. In addition to water splitting, it is also used in hydrochloric acid (HCl) electrolysis to convert industrial HCl waste streams into valuable chlorine and hydrogen. However, such highly corrosive environments present unique material challenges. This study evaluates the mechanical, thermal, and chemical durability of various commercially available perfluorosulfonic acid (PFAA) membranes—including several Nafion and Aquivion variants—under harsh HCl/Cl 2 electrolysis conditions. Characterization techniques included contact angle measurements, tensile strength testing, thickness analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR‐ATR), and long‐term electrolysis testing. While Nafion membranes demonstrated good mechanical strength, they showed notable surface degradation and chemical instability under acidic conditions. In contrast, Aquivion E98‐09S exhibited superior chemical resilience and structural integrity, even after 300 h of continuous operation in 20 wt% HCl. These findings underscore the importance of tailored membrane selection for chlorine‐rich electrochemical systems and offer valuable insights for the development of more robust and durable PEM materials for halogen‐based electrolysis technologies.
Source: ChemistryOpen
Institutions: University of Nova Gorica, National Institute of Chemistry
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,790
OpenAlex ID: W7160844522