Hydroion Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) - Reinforced

Hydroion™ anion exchange membrane (AEM) is well recognized for large scale AEMWE (anion exchange membrane water electrolysis) applications due to its excellent performance and durability. While reinforcement is the industry standard for enhancing membrane durability from a mechanical aspect, it typically comes at the cost of reduced performance and increased H2 crossover for the traditional mechanically reinforced AEMs in the market. This reinforced AEM product, on the other hand, breaks this trade-off: it maintains the high performance of our non-reinforced version while offering even slightly lower H2 crossover. 

Performance

With a 80 micron reinforced membrane, a current density of 1A/cm² is achieved at average 1.71V using a PtRu/C catalyst as cathode along with our anode at 60°C using 1molar KOH.

Durability

In addition to the excellent stability in 1 Moalr KOH solution, this membrane also provides superb anti-oxidation durability at high potential. The following graph shows the superior durability of this 80 micron reinforced membrane at a highly oxidizing potential of around 2.25 for over 4500 hrs. The test was carried out using nickel fiber felt as both anode and cathode electrodes so that a high potential of 2.25V can be reached at a current density of 1A/cm² under standard conditions (60°C, 1M KOH).

By combining this innate stability with advanced reinforcement and engineering strategies, an amazing in-cell degradation rate of < 2 μV/h between 2000-8000 hours was achieved. 

While 80 micron reinforced membrane is mostly used for AEM electrolysis, 100 micron is also available for demanding electrolysis applications (pressurized) that require long duration or other electrochemical processes, such as electrodialysis, CO2 conversion or electrochemical reduction of CO2, etc. 

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