Low hydrogen permeability and high durability proton exchange membrane with three-dimensional acid-base crosslink structure for water electrolysis

Huang，Henghui1,2,3; Zeng，Xiankui2; Zhong，Zihao1,3; Fan，Jiantao2; Li，Hui2

2024-02-01

10.1016/j.memsci.2024.122408

Journal of Membrane Science   影响因子和分区

0376-7388

1873-3123

Introducing a acid–base cross-linked network structure and reinforcement layer into a proton exchange membrane (PEM) can effectively improve its performance, durability, and hydrogen permeability for high-pressure PEM water electrolysis (PEMWE). Here, a hyperbranched polymer containing imidazole terminal groups (HBP-MZ) is designed and prepared, then is used to form a novel PEM possessing a cross-linked network structure consisting of HBP-MZ, perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) and reinforced with a poly(ether-ether-ketone) (PEEK) mesh. The microstructure of the PEM is characterized using thermal performance analysis. Benefiting from the acid–base crosslinked structure, the obtained PEM has a more compact structure, induces a drastic increase in dimensional stability, mechanical properties, proton conductivity and stability in water. The HBP-MZ/PFSA@PEEK membrane exhibits excellent water electrolysis performance, low high-frequency impedance, and superior stability: the HBP-MZ/PFSA@PEEK membrane provides an electrolytic performance of up to 1.76 V at 2.0 A cm and 1.84 V at 3.0A cm (60 °C, with an IrO loading of 1.0 mg cm), and exhibits a 6.2 μV h average voltage degradation rate during durability testing. Benefiting from the characteristics of HBP and the existing cross-linked structures, the obtained HBP-MZ/PFSA@PEEK membrane exhibits a lower hydrogen crossover current density of 1.06 mA cm and maintains a lower hydrogen content in oxygen under conditions of high current density and high pressure. This work provides a promising way to prepare a PEM with high durability and low gas permeability that could be applied in high-pressure water electrolysis.

Durability Electrolysis performance Hydrogen permeation Hyperbranched polymer Proton exchange membrane

SCI ; EI

英语

通讯

CHEMISTRY

2-s2.0-85182255381

Scopus

1.School of Materials Science and Hydrogen Energy,Foshan University,Foshan,Guangdong,528000,China
2.Department of Materials Science and Engineering,Southern University of Science and Technology,Shenzhen,Guangdong,518055,China
3.Guangdong Key Laboratory for Hydrogen Energy Technologies,Foshan,528000,China

Huang，Henghui,Zeng，Xiankui,Zhong，Zihao,et al. Low hydrogen permeability and high durability proton exchange membrane with three-dimensional acid-base crosslink structure for water electrolysis[J]. Journal of Membrane Science,2024,694.

Huang，Henghui,Zeng，Xiankui,Zhong，Zihao,Fan，Jiantao,&Li，Hui.(2024).Low hydrogen permeability and high durability proton exchange membrane with three-dimensional acid-base crosslink structure for water electrolysis.Journal of Membrane Science,694.

Huang，Henghui,et al."Low hydrogen permeability and high durability proton exchange membrane with three-dimensional acid-base crosslink structure for water electrolysis".Journal of Membrane Science 694(2024).