The improvement of water electrolysis efficiency by using acid-alkaline electrolysis with multi-electrode and pulsed current

In this experiment, multiple sets of nickel electrodes were used to produce hydrogen by Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis (PEMWE) under the action of pulses and potassium hydroxide and sulfuric acid electrolytes. The relevant data were measured by potentiostat, and effects of applied voltage, number of electrode groups, base potential and pulses on the efficiency were investigated. Results show that the electrolysis voltage for dual cells and electrolytes can reduce to 0.7 V, compared with 1.23 V for single cell and electrolyte. The corresponding efficiency of hydrogen production is also improved. Multi-electrode can reduce the overall resistance and impedance, and thereby improve the energy efficiency as well. Finally, as the pulse is added, the instantaneous current density is increased. The generating hydrogen gas deviates rapidly from the surface of the electrode, which accelerates the diffusion speed of the ions, and reduces the polarization phenomenon on the electrode. The efficiency of hydrogen production is thus improved.