Mitigating Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Artifacts in PEMWE Reference Electrode Measurements

Buehre, Lena V.; Hansen, Kentaro U.; Henckel, Danielle; Le, Giang; Padgett, Elliot; Bender, Guido

doi:10.1149/2754-2734/ae1f29

Title: Mitigating Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Artifacts in PEMWE Reference Electrode Measurements

Journal Article · Tue Nov 25 00:00:00 UTC 2025 · ECS Advances

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1149/2754-2734/ae1f29 · OSTI ID:3014972

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National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
Electric Hydrogen, Devens, MA (United States)

This study investigates strategies to improve the quality of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements using reference electrodes (RE) in proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWE). We demonstrate that adding a low impedance wire in parallel to the RE significantly enhances signal accuracy, especially at high frequencies. Additionally, we identify electrical pad heaters as a source of measurement noise. EIS measurements fulfilling Kramers–Kronig validity criteria were only achieved in their absence. These insights advance the diagnostic capabilities of REs in water electrolyzers and support more reliable, spatially resolved analysis of electrochemical losses within the cell.

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Research Organization:: National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), Golden, CO (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:: AC36-08GO28308

OSTI ID:: 3014972

Report Number(s):: NLR/JA--5900-96687

Journal Information:: ECS Advances, Journal Name: ECS Advances Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 4; ISSN 2754-2734

Publisher:: IOP PublishingCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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Title: Mitigating Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Artifacts in PEMWE Reference Electrode Measurements

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