Volume 66

Review of Operational Factors and Their Coupling Effects for the Durability of Solid Polymer Water Electrolysis Boyuan Tian, Xiaopeng Sun ,Zhanfeng Deng

Abstract

Solid polymer water electrolysis is a promising hydrogen production technology for renewable energy utilization with the essential prerequisite of durability. Durability is inherently a system-level attribute, affected by the intrinsic properties of components as well as operational factors. Yet literatures on these are highly fragmented and often confined to single-parameter studies. We propose a structured taxonomy of operational factors comprising three classes: External environmental, Side-reaction, and Mechanical factors. Representative secondary factors including impurities, redox cycles, non-uniformities, etc. are reviewed. Furthermore, key couplings factors including Fe contamination synergizing with peroxide to trigger Fenton action, and alkaline conditions combined with local thermal hotspots accelerating Hofmann elimination are illustrated. Additional coupling factors among local pH, components volume change and Halogen corrosion are also delineated. We propose that systematically suppressing the influence of these operational factors can unlock operation at elevated temperature and current density, achieving a dual objective of enhanced performance and extended durability. Herein, we provide guidance for the operation and maintenance of PEM/AEM systems and for the development of electrolyzer components for renewable-powered hydrogen production.

Keywords solid polymer water electrolysis, durability, external environmental factors, redox factors, mechanical factors, coupled factors