Technology
What is it?
Water is split into hydrogen and oxygen via the application of an electric current, using a porous anion exchange membrane diaphragm and an alkaline electrolyte.
Why is it important?
More compact and safer than alkaline electrolysis and could make use of cheaper catalysts than in PEM electrolysis.
Characteristics
- Inputs: Water, electricity
- By-products: Oxygen
- Operating temperature: <100°C
Benefits
- Greater safety and efficiency compared to traditional alkaline electrolysis
- Potential long system lifetime
- Distilled water or a low concentration of alkaline solution can be used as electrolyte instead of concentrated KOH
- Non-noble metal catalyst
Limitations
- Potentially higher capital cost compared to alkaline electrolysis
- Unproven technology (membrane)
RD&D priorities
- Improve OH- conductivity in polymeric membrane
- Improve durability of membrane – degradation remains an issue
- Improve conductivity of electrolyte/membrane
Known active organisations
- CSIRO
- Deakin University
- Monash University
- Queensland University of Technology
- The University of Adelaide