New membrane layer promises cheaper electrolysis

• A novel anion exchange membrane layer has been developed by German chemical company Evonik. Its designers assert it can make hydrogen generation cheaper, as the cells used for electrolysis featuring the tool would not need rare-earth elements.

The Creavis strategic organisation unit of Germany's second biggest chemical business, Evonik Industries, has created an anion exchange membrane (AEM) which can change ion-conducting membranes in the generation of hydrogen from electrolysis.

" Our membrane layer can allow industrial awareness of very efficient as well as economically sensible electrolysis modern technology," stated Oliver Conradi, that is accountable for membrane research at Creavis.

The firm stated making use of diaphragms or proton exchange membranes in standard electrolysis needs rare-earth elements but its development removes the requirement for such costly materials. The new membrane layer is also said to use high present density, very good performance as well as high versatility.

The innovation is being established under an EU-funded project entitled Development of one of the most cost-effective hydrogen manufacturing system based upon anion exchange membrane electrolysis, or CHANNEL, which runs up until December 2022.

The campaign intends to establish an AEM electrolyzer which uses affordable materials such as non platinum-group steel electrocatalysts, permeable transportation layers, present enthusiasts, bi-polar plates, brand-new anion exchange membrane layers as well as ionomers. The European Commission states the project is likewise planned to establish a supporting power plant facilities-- around the generation device itself-- which will certainly transform the electrolyzer market. "This will certainly allow the advancement of an electrolyzer innovation at a funding cost (capex) equal [to] or listed below classic alkaline electrolysis," mentions the project internet site. "However, in comparison to the alkaline technology, the CHANNEL AEM electrolyzer will have a performance as well as present thickness operation close to the one of [a] proton exchange membrane layer electrolyzer."