Influences of a bipolar membrane and an ultrasonic field on alkaline water electrolysis

Chi Yuan Hung, Sheng De Li, Cheng Chien Wang, Chuh Yung Chen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The energy efficiency of alkaline water electrolysis improved by using the polyvinylidene fluoride-grafted 2-methacrylic acid 3-(bis-carboxymethylamino)-2-hydroxyl-propyl ester bipolar membrane (PVDF-g-G-I BM) as diaphragms with an ultrasonic field (USF) has been explored in this study. The PVDF-g-G-I BM was prepared by the plasma-induced polymerization method. The method utilized the porous PVDF membrane as substrates, and G-I monomer was grafted onto both sides of the PVDF membrane after plasma treatment. The performance of the PVDF-g-G-I BM was demonstrated by measuring the cell voltage for the cell operated with or without an USF. According to steady-state E-I curves, the order of the cell voltage for alkaline water electrolysis was the DuPont commercial membrane>Water>PVDF-g-G-I BM under the same working condition. The PVDF-g-G-I BM was found to function well as a diaphragm in alkaline water electrolysis. In comparison with Water without an USF, the H 2 production efficiency by using the PVDF-g-G-I BM was improved 5-16/4% and an energy saving of ca. 15-20% (13-18%)/8-12% (6-10%) can be reached in alkaline water electrolysis at 0.5M (1.0M) NaOH for the cell operated with/without an USF, respectively.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)197-204
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Membrane Science
Volume389
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012 Feb 1

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Biochemistry
  • Materials Science(all)
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Filtration and Separation

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