Anion Exchange Membrane Electrolysis

The generation of hydrogen by anion exchange membrane electrolysis (AEMEL) of water is an emerging technology for the furture high-power density and low-cost production of hydrogen. With an AEMEL test rig, we conduct research on the following topics:

  • Component tests (electrodes, catalysts, membranes, end and bipolar plates, cell frames, sealings)
  • Investigation of different dynamic modes of operation
  • In-operando analysis at single-cell level and at short-stack level
  • H2 purity analysis
  • Multi-scale simulation models (incl. model verification)

Technical specifications

  • Operational pressure: atmospheric
  • Operational temperature: max. 80 °C
  • Usable electrolytes:
    • DI water
    • Max. 1 M KOH
  • Adjustable volume flow rate in electrolyte circle: max. 3 l/min
  • Electrolyte feed mode: simultaneous on cathode and anode side
  • Operating current (DC): up to 200 A extensible up to 340 A)
  • H2 production rate: up to 83 Nl/h (at 200 A)

Cell configuration

  • Single cell or short-stack
  • Frame material: PMMA
  • Active catalyst area: up to 100 cm2
  • Testable electrode substrates
    • Carbon papers or cloths
    • Foams
    • Meshes
  • Distance electrode-membrane: zero-gap
  • Distance electrode-flowfield: zero-gap up to 1 mm
  • In-operando investigations: Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and further electrochemical measurement methodes (GAMRY potentiostat & booster)