Mechanical Characterization of Electrolyzer Membranes and Components Under Compression

Arthurs, Claire; Kusoglu, Ahmet

doi:10.1149/1945-7111/ad7a26

Title: Mechanical Characterization of Electrolyzer Membranes and Components Under Compression

Journal Article · 25 September 2024 · Journal of the Electrochemical Society

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1149/1945-7111/ad7a26 · OSTI ID:2476948

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University of California, Berkeley, CA (United States); Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)

Proton-exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis is a promising technology for producing clean hydrogen by electrochemically splitting water when paired with renewable energy sources. A major roadblock to improving electrolyzer durability is the mechanical degradation of the cell components, which requires an understanding of their mechanical response under device-relevant conditions. However, there is a lack of studies on the mechanical characterization of the PEM and other components, as well as and their interactions. This study aims to address this gap by using a custom-designed testing apparatus to investigate the mechanics of electrolyzer components in uniaxial compression at 25 and 80 °C. Findings show stress-strain response of components have a varying degree of nonlinearity owing to their distinct deformation mechanisms and morphologies, from porous structures to polymers. These results are used to develop an expression for compressive stress-strain response of Nafion membranes and then analyze the deformation of components under applied pressure by using a 1-D spring network model of cell assembly. This work provides a new understanding of mechanical responses of the electrolyzer membrane and cell components, which can help assess material design and cell assembly strategies for improved electrolyzer durability.

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Research Organization:: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Office of Sustainable Transportation. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC02-05CH11231

OSTI ID:: 2476948

Journal Information:: Journal of the Electrochemical Society, Journal Name: Journal of the Electrochemical Society Journal Issue: 9 Vol. 171; ISSN 0013-4651

Publisher:: IOP PublishingCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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