Optimal operating conditions evaluation of an anion-exchange-membrane electrolyzer based on FUMASEP® FAA3-50 membrane

Hydrogen production via water electrolysis is considered the “greenest” way because it does not produce any direct carbon emissions when powered by renewable sources. Among the different technologies of electrolyzers, increasing interest is registered by that one based on anion-exchange membranes (AEMs). In this work, a FAA3-50 anion-exchange membrane (from FuMa-Tech) is used, after the KOH solution (1 M) exchange, as electrolyte/separator in an electrolysis cell of 5 cm2 geometrical area. Commercial IrO2 and 40% Pt/C catalysts are used at the anode and cathode, respectively, to evaluate the membrane under the most convenient conditions. The influence of cell temperature, membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) procedure (catalyst-coated membrane or catalyst coated electrode), and pure water or KOH solution on electrolyzer performance are analyzed. It appears that the catalyst-coated membrane approach, using the FAA3-50 membrane, allows higher temperature operation. However, diluted KOH solution is necessary to increase the membrane conductivity and the cell performance.