Effects of surface modification on a proton exchange membrane for improvements in green hydrogen production

Abstract

Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysis, an advanced technique for producing hydrogen with efficiency and environmental friendliness, signifies the forefront of progress in this domain. Compared to alkaline cells, these electrolytic cells offer numerous advantages, such as lower operating temperatures, enhanced hydrogen production efficiency, and eliminating the need for an aqueous solution. However, PEM electrolysis still faces limitations due to the high cost of materials used for the membrane and catalysts, resulting in elevated expenses for implementing large-scale systems. The pivotal factor in improving PEM electrolysis lies in the Platinum catalyst present on the membrane surface. Enhancing catalytic efficiency through various methods and advancements holds immense significance for the progress of this technology. This study investigates the use of patterned membranes to improve the performance of PEM electrolytic cells toward green hydrogen production. By increasing the Platinum loading across the membrane surface and enhancing catalytic performance, these patterned membranes overcome challenges faced by conventionally fabricated counterparts. The findings of this research indicate that membranes with modified surfaces not only exhibit higher current draw but also achieve elevated rates of hydrogen production.