Simon Fraser University

Purpose

Proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers (PEMWE) use renewable energy for efficient and sustainable green hydrogen production. Developing resilient and low-cost PEMWE components is imperative to lower the green hydrogen cost. The PEMWE uses a membrane to transport ions between the anode and cathode, while preventing the intermixing of hydrogen and oxygen. However, the membrane is susceptible to degradation, consequently resulting in membrane thinning and gas crossover, leading to unsafe operation and shutdown. The Project leverages a collaboration between NRC and Simon Fraser University (SFU) to improve the fundamental understanding of PEMWE membrane degradation and failure. The Project will develop and utilize a novel approach for in-situ and -operando X-ray computed tomography to visualize the PEMWE and facilitate diagnosis of membrane failure mode, degradation mechanism, and root cause. The NRC-SFU research collaboration anticipated outcomes will foster rapid technological advancement and translate the technology for industrial application.