Comparison of electrolytic hydrogen production

Comparison of hydrogen production by alkaline electrolysis and PEM electrolysis - hydrogen production technology - YMUS ultrasonic spraying

Alkaline electrolysis (alkaline electrolysis) and polymer electrolyte membrane (Polymer Electrolyte Membrane, PEM) electrolysis are two common hydrogen production technologies.

1. Alkaline electrolysis is performed in an electrolytic cell using an alkaline electrolyte (such as potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide). An electric current between the anode and cathode in an electrolytic cell passes through the water to split the water molecules, producing hydrogen and oxygen. Alkaline electrolysis has the following characteristics:

    - High efficiency: The efficiency of alkaline electrolyzers is usually between 70% and 80%.

    - Low cost: Alkaline electrolyzers are relatively low cost because they use common materials such as metal catalysts and alkaline solutions.

    - Durability: Alkaline electrolyzers generally have a long life and can operate at high currents for long periods of time.

    - High-purity hydrogen production: Alkaline electrolysis can produce high-purity hydrogen suitable for industrial and fuel cell applications.

2. PEM electrolysis is performed in an electrolytic cell using a polymer electrolyte membrane (a proton exchange membrane). Compared with alkaline electrolysis, PEM electrolysis has the following characteristics:

    - Quick response: PEM electrolysis can achieve rapid start-stop and high-precision control in a short time, which is suitable for applications with frequent changes in demand.

    - Low temperature operation: PEM electrolysis can operate at lower temperatures (usually between 50-80°C), saving energy and increasing lifespan.

    - Higher efficiency: Due to the low-temperature operation and the characteristics of the proton conductive membrane, the efficiency of the PEM electrolyzer can reach a higher level, usually above 80%.

    - Suitable for small-scale applications: The PEM electrolyzer is relatively small and suitable for small-scale hydrogen production equipment and portable applications.

Ultrasonic spraying technology can be applied to the coating preparation of electrolytic cells during alkaline electrolysis and PEM electrolysis hydrogen production processes, thereby improving electrolysis efficiency and extending the service life of electrolytic cells.

        In the alkaline electrolysis hydrogen production process, ultrasonic spray technology can be used to coat the anode and cathode materials of the electrolytic cell. Through the oscillation effect of ultrasonic waves, the coating material can be more evenly distributed on the electrode surface, improving the surface area and reactivity of the electrode. This increases the rate of hydrogen and oxygen production and improves electrolysis efficiency.

       In the PEM electrolysis hydrogen production process, ultrasonic spray technology can be used to coat proton exchange membranes and electrode materials. The vibration effect of ultrasonic waves can promote the coating to better combine with the membrane and electrodes, improve the efficiency of proton conduction, and prevent the peeling or oxidation of the membrane and electrodes. This helps improve the efficiency and stability of PEM electrolysis.