In this tech talk, Steven had the pleasure of discussing Hydrogen Fuel Cell, PEM & AEM Electrolyzer Membranes with Timothy Wu, Deputy General Manager at HyProof Technologies.
Learn about Hydrogen Fuel Cell, PEM & AEM Electrolyzer Membranes
Steven Oji and Tim Wu discusses the role of membranes in hydrogen technology, focusing on their function in electrolyzers and fuel cells. Membranes enable hydrogen production by separating water into hydrogen and oxygen, crucial for hydrogen energy. There are three main types: alkaline, proton exchange (PEM), and anion exchange membranes (AEM). Alkaline membranes are older and cheaper but have safety risks due to larger pores. PEMs, common today, allow efficient hydrogen production but require costly catalysts like platinum. AEM combines benefits of alkaline and PEM, offering safer, more cost-effective operation without expensive catalysts, potentially driving down hydrogen production costs for broader adoption.
Alkaline membranes are the oldest technology, often used in electrolyzers but considered less safe due to their larger pore sizes, which allow some hydrogen crossover. This crossover increases explosion risk when hydrogen and oxygen mix. While cost-effective, alkaline membranes require constant power to operate efficiently, and their use is being phased out as safer options emerge.
AEMs represent a newer technology that combines the safety and cost-efficiency of alkaline membranes with the performance of PEMs. AEMs can operate with more affordable catalysts, such as nickel and iron, and are designed to prevent hydrogen crossover through finer pore structures. This makes AEMs safer and more adaptable to power fluctuations, especially from renewable sources like solar energy. Wu explains that many companies, including Hyproof, are working to improve AEMs to lower hydrogen production costs, making hydrogen a more viable and accessible energy source for various industries.
PEMs are the current standard for hydrogen applications, especially in fuel cells, due to their ability to produce hydrogen efficiently and resist power fluctuations. However, PEMs rely on costly catalysts like platinum and iridium, making them expensive and limiting widespread adoption.
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Steven is a fuel cell system designer and he will deep-dive into the technology that makes the hydrogen economy work with real experts. We hope you will like the new format.