Performance evaluation and durability assessment of hybrid alkaline/membrane electrolysis cell designs

This study explores the performance and durability of a hybrid alkaline/membrane electrolysis cell combining Anion Exchange Membrane technology with a liquid alkaline separator. By leveraging innovative design features, including mechanically supported membranes and hybrid configurations, this approach addresses key challenges in AEMWE systems, such as membrane degradation and limited durability. The hybrid configuration ensures enhanced hydration, minimizes hydrogen crossover, and enables operation under high-pressure conditions, while maintaining high efficiency and low specific energy consumption. Experimental tests were conducted on single cells and stack configurations to evaluate key performance indicators (KPIs), including stack efficiency, specific energy consumption, and hydrogen purity, und er varying operational conditions. Resultsdemonstrated efficiencies up to 81 % at 1 bar and specific energy consumption of 41-46 kWh/kg, nearing 2050 targets for green hydrogen production. In particular, durability assessments revealed both reversible and irreversible degradation processes, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and distribution of relaxation times (DRT) pinpointed critical performance trends. These findings underline the potential of hybrid AEMWE systems for scalable, cost-effective, and efficient hydrogen production, providing insights into optimization strategies for long-term industrial applications.