Performance recovery of proton exchange membrane electrolyzer degraded by metal cations contamination

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2024-01, Vol.53, p.86-92
• Main Authors: Shwe Sin, PyaePyae, Wai, SoeHtet, Ota, Yasuyuki, Nishioka, Kensuke, Suzuki, Yoshihiro
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cations contaminations; PEM cell recovery; PEM performance degradation; Soft water electrolysis; Solar-to-hydrogen
• ISSN: 0360-3199
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2023.12.049

Hydrogen production from renewable electricity offers an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels. Proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis is a well-known method for this purpose. Studies have primarily focused on reducing costs of noble catalysts, improving efficiency, managing system degradation, and addressing membrane thinning caused by contaminated cations. However, techniques for PEM recovery post-degradation are still under development. This study investigated the effects of cations on PEM cells using artificial soft water, and analyzed two recovery methods to restore cell performance. Our findings indicate a significant rise in cell operating voltage and a decrease hydrogen production over 8 h of operation with soft water. After introducing both recovery methods, the initial operating value was reinstated in both cases. Only nitric acid treatment, however, achieved hydrogen production levels comparable to those of ultrapure water. •The cations contaminated by soft water diminished the MEA cell performance.•We investigate two recovery methods to regain cell voltage and hydrogen generation.•Nitric acid treatment could provide an effective way to recover the cell performance.