Journal Article

FZJ-2025-02781

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Gas Crossover in Membrane Electrolyzers—The Impact of MEA Conditioning on Gas Permeability

Treutlein, L. (Corresponding author)FZJ*RWTH* ; Javed, A.FZJ* ; Wolf, N.FZJ*RWTH* ; Kungl, H.FZJ* ; Karl, A.FZJ* ; Jodat, E.FZJ* ; Eichel, R.-A.FZJ*RWTH*

2025
IOP Publishing Bristol

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1149/1945-7111/ade00f  doi:10.34734/FZJ-2025-02781

Abstract: Hydrogen crossover in proton exchange membrane electrolytic cells (PEMEC) can lead to reduced usable hydrogen output, shortened lifespan, and interruptions in operation due to safety concerns. Extensive studies have explored the crossover mechanism under various operating conditions using different setups. In this study, we demonstrate a setup that is capable of quantifying hydrogen and oxygen permeability of dry and wet membranes, as well as catalyst coated membranes; i.e. membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs). We monitored the hydrogen and oxygen permeabilities of Nafion™ N115, N117 and NR212 membranes, respectively, and studied the effect of catalyst coating on hydrogen permeability of the membrane. The impact of conditioning on N115-based MEAs in a fully hydrated state was investigated. To realize this, MEAs were subjected to various conditioning protocols; break-in (applied current), in situ vs ex situ pre-treatment (water exposure), and elevated vs lowered temperature pre-treatment, which revealed a significant influence on hydrogen permeability.

Note: German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) within the H2Giga project DERIEL (grant number 03HY122C)

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Grundlagen der Elektrochemie (IET-1)

Research Program(s):

1. 1231 - Electrochemistry for Hydrogen (POF4-123) (POF4-123)
2. HITEC - Helmholtz Interdisciplinary Doctoral Training in Energy and Climate Research (HITEC) (HITEC-20170406) (HITEC-20170406)

Appears in the scientific report 2025

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Database coverage:
; ; ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Engineering, Computing and Technology ; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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