A Versatile Setup for Determining Hydrogen and Oxygen Crossover of Electrolyzer Membranes and MEAs

Chemie Ingenieur Technik, vol. 98, pp. 18–26

Abstract

Abstract Hydrogen and oxygen crossover in polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzers is critical for both operational safety and product gas purity. In this study, we present a versatile experimental setup designed to quantify gas crossover through membranes and polymers commonly used in PEM electrolyzers. A key feature of the setup is its ability to perform in situ measurements on fully assembled PEM cells, containing complete membrane electrode assemblies. The system also enables characterization of gas permeation through both wet and dry ionomers, as well as various polymers employed in components such as gaskets and tubing. These capabilities are demonstrated through a series of representative measurements that highlight the setup's flexibility and potential.

Authors 7

1. Leander Treutlein corresponding Aachen Institute of Physical Chemistry

   Forschungszentrum Jülich · RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Energy Technologies Fundamental Electrochemistry (IET‐1) Forschungszentrum Jülich 52425 Jülich Germany

   Institute of Physical Chemistry RWTH Aachen University 52074 Aachen Germany

2. Ali Javed

   Forschungszentrum Jülich

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Energy Technologies Fundamental Electrochemistry (IET‐1) Forschungszentrum Jülich 52425 Jülich Germany

3. Tobias Hilche

   Forschungszentrum Jülich

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Energy Technologies Fundamental Electrochemistry (IET‐1) Forschungszentrum Jülich 52425 Jülich Germany

4. Hans Kungl

   Forschungszentrum Jülich

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Energy Technologies Fundamental Electrochemistry (IET‐1) Forschungszentrum Jülich 52425 Jülich Germany

5. André Karl

   Forschungszentrum Jülich

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Energy Technologies Fundamental Electrochemistry (IET‐1) Forschungszentrum Jülich 52425 Jülich Germany

6. Eva Jodat

   Forschungszentrum Jülich

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Energy Technologies Fundamental Electrochemistry (IET‐1) Forschungszentrum Jülich 52425 Jülich Germany

7. Rüdiger‐A. Eichel Aachen Faculty of Mechanical Engineering Institute of Physical Chemistry

   Forschungszentrum Jülich · RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Faculty of Mechanical Engineering RWTH Aachen University 52062 Aachen Germany

   Institute of Energy Technologies Fundamental Electrochemistry (IET‐1) Forschungszentrum Jülich 52425 Jülich Germany

   Institute of Physical Chemistry RWTH Aachen University 52074 Aachen Germany