PEM steam electrolysis at 130 °C using a phosphoric acid doped short side chain PFSA membrane

Steam electrolysis test with a phosphoric acid doped Aquivion™ membrane was successfully conducted and current densities up to 775 mA cm−2 at 1.8 V was reached at 130 °C and ambient pressure. A new composite membrane system using a perfluorosulfonic acid membrane (Aquivion™) as matrix and phosphoric acid as proton conducting electrolyte was developed. Traditional perfluorosulfonic acid membranes do not possess sufficient dimensional stability and proton conductivity to be used at elevated temperatures and ambient pressures. The elevated temperature, high potentials and acidic conditions implied that a new and highly corrosion resistant construction material was needed. Tantalum coated stainless steel felt was tested and found suitable as the anode gas diffusion layer.

► Water electrolysis at elevated temperatures and ambient pressure. ► Using phosphoric acid doped PFSA membranes as electrolyte. ► Using tantalum coated steel material for construction materials. ► Characterisation of tantalum coated gas diffusion layer.