Improved components for advanced alkaline water electrolysis

The industrial realization of an advanced electrolysis cell for alkaline water electrolysis is gradually achieved and semitechnical cell units were constructed. The cells work with ceramic diaphragms and galvanically-deposited Raney nickel electrodes. The working temperature is 100–120°C and total pressure between 1 and 5 bar. The average energy consumption at 0.4 A cm −2 and 100°C is 3.8 kWh m −3 hydrogen. The influence of cell components on total cell performance data is discussed. The variation of manufacturing parameters on the quality of single components (electrodes and diaphragm) is considered. Corrosion problems at operating conditions and their elimination by using proper construction techniques were investigated.