Solid polymer electrolyte electrolysis technology

Supporting electrolyte-free electrolysis is an ideal way to realize perfed green synthesis assisted by electricity. Solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) technology, devel-... 

Nuttall L.J., Conceptual design of large scale water electrolysis plant using solid polymer electrolyte technology, Int.. Hydrogen Energ., 2,395-403,1977. 

Han SD, Park KB, Rana R, Singh KC (2002) Developments of water electrolysis technology by solid polymer electrolyte. IndJChem 41 A 245-253... 

Two cases were examined for the production of water electrolysis. Data were taken from Reference (1) and adjusted to mid-1979 levels in accordance with Table 1. The costs of "current technology" electrolysis were averaged in Reference (1) from information provided by Lurgi, Electrolyser Corp., General Electric, and Teledyne Isotopes. An advanced electrolyzer design, based upon the General Electric Solid Polymer Electrolyte (SPE) design, was also addressed as the second case. 

Nuttall, L. J., "Water Electrolysis Using Solid Polymer Electrolytes", General Electric Co., Presented at the Institute of Gas Technology s "Hydrogen for Energy Distribution Symposium", July 24-28, 1978. 

Russell, J.H., Sedlak, Dr. J.M., General Electric Company, Direct Energy Conversion Programs, Economic Comparison of Hydrogen Production Using Solid Polymer Electrolyte Technology for Sulfur Cycle Water Decomposition and Water Electrolysis, EPRI Research Project 1086-3, Final Report, December 1978. 

A second commercially available electrolyzer technology is the solid polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM). PEM electrolysis (PEME) is also referred to as solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) or polymer electrolyte membrane (also, PEM), but all represent a system that incorporates a solid proton-conducting membrane which is not electrically conductive. The membrane serves a dual purpose, as the gas separation device and ion (proton) conductor. High-purity deionized (DI) water is required in PEM-based electrolysis, and PEM electrolyzer manufacturer regularly recommend a minimum of 1 MQ-cm resistive water to extend stack life. 

H. Takenaka, Technology of water electrolysis using solid polymer electrolyte and its application, Soda Enso (Soda Chlorine) 1986, 37, 323-337 S. Stucki, G.G. Scherer, S. Schlagowski and E. Fischer, PEM water electrolyzers evidence for membrane failure in 100 kW demonstration plants, J. Appl. Electrochem., 1998, 28, 1041-1049. 

Lu, P.W.T. and Srinivasan, S. (1979) Advances in water electrolysis technology with emphasis on use of the solide polymer electrolyte. J. Appl. Electrochem., 9, 269-283. 

Production of hydrogen via water electrolysis using an alkaline medium is a mature technology. At the same time, solid polymer electrolyte (SPE)-based systems, for water electrolysis, have a much weaker market share globally. The main reasons for the limited implementation of SPE-based electrolyzers includes the expensive PGM catalyst and proton conducting membrane, lower durability, and lower hydrogen output. However, the advantages of SPE... 

Current electrolysis technologies fall into two basic categories (1) solid polymer (which provides for a solid electrolyte) and (2) liquid electrolyte, most commonly potassium hydroxide (KOH). In both technologies, water is introduced into the reaction environment and subjected to an electrical current that causes dissociation the resulting hydrogen and oxygen atoms are then put through an ionic transfer mecha-... 

Conventional electrolytic cells use aqueous solutions of KOH or NaOH or NaCl or use solid polymer matrices as the electrolyte. In industrial plants, the alkaline medium is preferred, because corrosion is more easily controlled and cheaper materials can be used than in acidic electrolysis technology. The alkaline water electrolysis using a 25 % potash lye as the electrolyte consumes about 4 kWh/Nm including energy losses and related energy demands for ancillary equipment. It is a mature technology since decades. 

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