Anion Exchange Membrane Electrolyzers Showing 1 A/cm2 at Less Than 2 V

This paper reports initial data on anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers using Sustainion™ membranes. These are styrene based membranes, that are functionalized with imidazoliums or pyridiniums as described in US patent 9,370,773. Initial work was done with platinum anode catalysts and iridium cathode catalysts. By optimizing the membrane composition and the choice of ionomer initial currents of 1 amp/cm² at 1.69V and 6 amp/cm² and 6 amp/cm² at 2.05 V are observed in a cell at 60 C with 1 M KOH. So far we have been able to maintain 1 A/cm² at about 1.7 V for hours. The run is continuing. These results show the advantage of Sustainion™ membranes for water electrolyzers.