Evaluating the performance of hybrid proton exchange membrane for PEM water electrolysis

Owing to their attractive properties (e.g. reduced gas permeation, comparable proton conductivity, enhanced thermal stability, lower cost), hybrid nanocomposite membranes (HNC) are more attractive for proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE). Compared to perfluoro sulfonic acid polymers, this study evaluated the interest in using an HNC membrane for PEMWE. Despite the bulk membrane exhibiting high chemical and mechanical instability (decreasing the cell performance), a multi-layer approach was adopted to increase its lifespan in PEMWE operation. Thus, different strategies for preparing Catalyst-Coated Membrane (CCM) with more than one PEM were investigated. The longevity of the HNC membrane is enhanced from a few hours to a few hundred hours by clamping it between two half-coated Nafion 212 membranes. The degradation mechanisms are discussed based on the physicochemical analysis of the membrane and its degradation products after electrolysis.