Application Of Cation Exchange Membrane In Hydrogen Generation By Water Electrolysis

The application of a cation exchange membrane in hydrogen generation by water electrolysis has been studied in this article. The performances of the cation exchange membrane in water electrolysis were characterized, and the effects of several factors on the performances were investigated. An experimental hydrogen generator with capacity of 0.4m3/h, in which the mentioned cation exchange membrane was used, was estabilished. The promising application of this cation exchange membrane in hydrogen generation system by water electrolysis was discussed.The experimental results show that, the resistance of this cation exchange membrane is lower than that of asbestos or/and polyphenylene sulfide used in commercial apparatuses. The electrical conductivity of the membrane is realized by the transport of potassiunion along the polymer molecule. The long-term performance of the experimental hydrogen generator (360 hours with current density 4600A/m2) indicates that the equipment can be operatated steadly.Comparison with the commercial hydrogen generator, the new hydrogen generator with cation exchange membrane has apparent technical advantages in current density and operating temperature. Optimization and industrialization of processing of the membrane might make the hydrogen generator with cation membrane used in large-scale.