Hydrogen Electrolyzer Types

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What type of electrolyzer utilizes a carbon PTL on the cathode side and KOH or K2CO3 to produce hydroxide ions?

AEM

What are the two main technologies used in industrial-scale hydrogen electrolyzers?

PEM and AEL

What is a major disadvantage of PEM electrolyzers?

High cost for maintenance of membrane and lower durability

What is a characteristic of PEM electrolyzers that makes them compatible with renewable sources of electricity?

Ability to handle varying power loads Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of AEL electrolyzers in terms of hydrogen production?

Cannot produce compressed H2 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference in the operating temperatures of solid oxide electrolyzers and PEM electrolyzers?

Solid oxide electrolyzers operate at temperatures of 700°-800°C, while PEM electrolyzers operate at 70°-90°C. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of steam in the process of hydrogen production in solid oxide electrolyzers?

Steam at the cathode combines with electrons from the external circuit to form hydrogen gas and negatively charged oxygen ions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of AEM Electrolysis compared to PEM electrolyzers?

AEM Electrolysis holds the promise of providing capabilities similar to that of PEM, but at lower capital costs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the solid ceramic membrane in solid oxide electrolyzers?

The solid ceramic membrane selectively conducts negatively charged oxygen ions (O2-) at elevated temperatures. Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of advanced lab-scale solid oxide electrolyzers based on proton-conducting ceramic electrolytes?

They are showing promise for lowering the operating temperature to 500°-600°C. Signup and view all the answers

How does the heat from various sources, including nuclear energy, impact the process of hydrogen production in solid oxide electrolyzers?

The heat is used to decrease the amount of electrical energy needed to produce hydrogen from water. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) in a PEM electrolyzer?

The PEM selectively allows positively charged hydrogen ions to move across it from the anode to the cathode. Signup and view all the answers

In an alkaline electrolyzer, what type of ions are transported through the electrolyte from the cathode to the anode?

Hydroxide ions (OH-) Signup and view all the answers

What is the reaction that occurs at the anode in a PEM electrolyzer?

2H2O → O2 + 4H+ + 4e- Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the external circuit in a PEM electrolyzer?

To facilitate the flow of electrons from the anode to the cathode. Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) and anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzers compared to traditional alkaline and PEM electrolyzers?

They promise a major step forward in electrolysis technology. Signup and view all the answers

What is the end product of the electrolysis reaction at the cathode in a PEM electrolyzer?

Hydrogen gas (2H2) Signup and view all the answers

Hydrogen Electrolyzer Types

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