Hydroion Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) - Unreinforced

Hydroion™ anion exchange membrane consists of an alkaline stable polymer backbone and protected cation groups to balance ionic conductivity and chemical stability. The recommended alkaline electrolyte range for this product is 0.1 to 1.0 Molar. There is no mechanical reinforcement in this AEM and such membrane products are also known as self-supporting or unreinforced membranes. Because of the proprietary and advanced polymer structure, Hydroion membranes can withstand harsh operation conditions with best-in-class performance. It is an excellent choice for AEM water electrolysis for green hydrogen production, AEM fuel cells, and other relevant electrochemical applications.

Products Features:

• Thickness: ~40, 60, 80, 100 microns
• High Ion Conductivity: OH- (hydroxide) anion conductivity of up to 200 mS/cm at 80 °C and fully flooded on the anode or anode/cathode sides.
• Strong Chemical Stability: Resistant to strong alkalis (pH=14, 80 °C, 1 Molar alkaline electrolyte) and oxidative conditions ( of up to 2.5 V, preferably up to 2.0-2.1 V) for months (<5% structural degradation).
• Excellent Mechanical Properties: It has high strength (Tensile Strength > 50 Mpa) and good flexibility, capable of withstanding mechanical stresses and pressure differentials.
• Long Service Life: Demonstrates a long lifespan (2+ yr with 10% V decay) under various temperature and alkaline conditions.

Electrochemical Performance (Polarization Curve)

The following graph provides polarization curve for a 60 microns thick Hydroion membrane (at a cell temperature of 60 deg C, using 1 Molar KOH electrolyte, Ni alloy electrodes).

Packaging

This membrane product is shipped with a clear back-sheet (also known as backing film, protective film or cover film) to ensure the membrane component in the package remains flat and undamaged during transportation and storage.

Storage

Keep the Hydroion AEM product sealed in the original polybag that is being shipped in and store it at room temperature until ready to use. It is recommended to avoid direct sunlight and UV light type light sources. The shelf-life of the sample is 12 month under this condition.

Activation/Pre-treatment

It is recommended to soak Hydroion AEM in 1M NaCl (e.g. 100 mL of the solution for every 100 cm²) for 24 hours and then exchange with 1M KOH for 48 hours. Replace the alkaline electrolyte in the submersion bath every 10-12 hour period. After the exchange, store it in pure water at room temperature of before use (preferably in a CO2-free environment). The membrane treatment needs to be done under CO2-free environment in order to keep it in OH- (or hydroxide) form. CO2 present in the ambient will naturally convert the hydroxide form of the membrane into carbonate form (which is a common behavior of all of the commercial AEMs) and this will significantly reduce the ionic conductivity of the membrane.

Please do not allow the activated membrane to run dry during its operation in the electrochemical cell. 

Additional notes

If it is necessary to cut the film (especially into a circular shape), it is recommended to do so after activation to avoid wavy pattern caused by swelling.

Please let us know if you want different sizes or thicknesses at info@electrohy.com