Electrolysis – Alkaline electrolyzer with anion-exchange membrane | Performance, efficiency, lifetime

From the 1960s onwards, alkaline MW systems have been operated commercially and achieved runtimes of numerous years. The power density of these systems at acceptable degrees of efficiency (i.e., voltages of less than 2 V) is in the range of <1.5 W cm−2. Currently, the focus of development is on increasing the power density, which can be primarily achieved through the further development of diaphragms and the introduction of alkaline membranes. Initial research results confirm that power densities comparable to those in PEM electrolysis can also be achieved with alkaline systems, and that power densities of more than 4 W cm−2 can be achieved. This will improve the cost-effectiveness of systems and can be expected to ensure broad market penetration.