Ultrasonic Spraying Electrolysis of Water AEM
Analysis of the mechanism of electrolysis of water anion exchange membrane (AEM) and innovative application of ultrasonic spraying technology
In today’s rapid development of new energy technology, electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen is an important way of green hydrogen production. The performance of its core component anion exchange membrane (AEM) plays a key role in the efficiency of the entire system. The electrolysis of water AEM mechanism involves multiple precise principles and processes, which are explained in detail below.
1. Basic structure and characteristics of AEM
AEM is essentially a polymer membrane material, whose molecular structure contains fixed cationic groups, such as quaternary ammonium salt groups, and mobile anions, usually hydroxide ions (OH⁻). These fixed cationic groups are firmly connected to the polymer main chain through chemical bonds to form ion exchange sites, and the mobile anions can migrate between these sites under the drive of the electric field to realize the ion conduction function.
Ion selectivity is the core characteristic of AEM. There is an electrostatic interaction between the fixed cationic groups in the membrane and the hydroxide ions, which enables the hydroxide ions to move smoothly in the membrane, while repelling cations such as sodium ions and potassium ions, and limiting the passage of other anions such as chloride ions, ensuring that only hydroxide ions participate in the ion transport link of the electrolysis reaction.
In the alkaline environment of water electrolysis, AEM needs to have good physical and chemical stability. Chemically, it must be able to withstand the erosion of electrolytes such as potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution for a long time without decomposition, dissolution or chemical structure changes; physically, it must have sufficient mechanical strength and dimensional stability to resist electrolyte flow impact, electrode extrusion, etc., to ensure the stability and continuity of the electrolysis process.
2. Electrode reaction in water electrolysis and AEM mechanism of action
In the cathode area, near the electrode connected to the negative pole of the power supply, the water molecules in the electrolyte gather under the action of the electric field. Because the cathode provides electrons, water undergoes a reduction reaction, the reaction formula is 2H₂O + 2e⁻ → H₂↑ + 2OH⁻, hydrogen is generated and escapes, and hydroxide ions become the key to subsequent ion conduction. Driven by the electric field, some hydroxide ions move to the AEM due to the attraction of the fixed cationic groups in the AEM, preparing to migrate to the anode.
In the anode area, the hydroxide ions that migrate from the cathode side through the AEM lose electrons on the anode surface connected to the positive electrode of the power supply, and an oxidation reaction occurs, the reaction formula is 4OH⁻ – 4e⁻ → O₂↑ + 2H₂O, oxygen is generated and escapes, and the newly generated water is added to the electrolyte on the anode side. AEM is like a precise “ion channel” throughout the process, only allowing hydroxide ions to be transmitted from the cathode side to the anode side in a directional manner, preventing the mixing of cathode and cathode gases from causing safety hazards, and ensuring that the electrolysis of water is carried out efficiently and orderly.
3. Factors affecting the mechanism and efficiency of AEM water electrolysis
The performance of AEM itself has a significant impact on the efficiency of water electrolysis. Ionic conductivity directly determines the migration speed of hydroxide ions in the membrane. The higher the conductivity, the more efficient the electrode reaction and the faster the hydrogen and oxygen production rate. As for membrane thickness, although thinner membranes are conducive to rapid ion conduction, they need to be optimized under the premise of ensuring mechanical strength and gas barrier capacity to achieve an efficiency balance point.
Electrolyte concentration and temperature are also crucial. Appropriate potassium hydroxide solution concentration can optimize the ion concentration gradient and solution conductivity. Appropriately increasing the concentration can accelerate ion migration, but too high a concentration will aggravate corrosion and reduce membrane performance. Increasing the temperature can accelerate ion thermal motion and improve electrolysis efficiency, but too high a temperature will affect the chemical stability of AEM and the durability of the electrode.
The catalytic activity and current density of the electrode material are also critical. Electrode materials with high catalytic activity can reduce the reaction overpotential and promote water decomposition; current density needs to be reasonably controlled. Too high a current density will aggravate electrode polarization, reduce energy efficiency and the service life of electrodes and AEM.
4. Innovative application and significant advantages of ultrasonic spraying in electrolytic water AEM
In the preparation process of AEM, ultrasonic spraying technology shows unique advantages. Traditional coating methods have limitations in the uniformity and precision of the coating on the surface of membrane materials, while Cheersonic’s ultrasonic spraying technology, which atomizes the solution into tiny particles through high-frequency vibration, can achieve high-precision and uniform coating of the AEM surface coating.
This uniform coating can effectively improve the ion conductivity of AEM. Because the uniform coating can reduce the obstacles in the ion conduction process, it allows hydroxide ions to migrate more smoothly in the membrane, thereby improving the overall efficiency of water electrolysis. At the same time, the coating prepared by ultrasonic spraying technology has better stability and adhesion, enhances the chemical stability and mechanical strength of AEM in alkaline environment, and prolongs the service life of the membrane. In addition, ultrasonic spraying technology is also efficient and environmentally friendly. It can accurately control the amount of coating, reduce waste, and reduce production costs, providing strong support for the large-scale application of electrolytic water hydrogen production technology.
In summary, the AEM mechanism of water electrolysis is a sophisticated and complex electrochemical process. Through the unique ion conduction function of the anion exchange membrane and the coordinated electrode reaction, efficient water electrolysis can be achieved under appropriate conditions. The application of ultrasonic spraying technology has brought new breakthroughs in improving the performance of AEM, promoted the development of water electrolysis hydrogen production technology in a more efficient and economical direction, and has broad application prospects in the field of new energy.
About Cheersonic
Cheersonic is the leading developer and manufacturer of ultrasonic coating systems for applying precise, thin film coatings to protect, strengthen or smooth surfaces on parts and components for the microelectronics/electronics, alternative energy, medical and industrial markets, including specialized glass applications in construction and automotive.
Our coating solutions are environmentally-friendly, efficient and highly reliable, and enable dramatic reductions in overspray, savings in raw material, water and energy usage and provide improved process repeatability, transfer efficiency, high uniformity and reduced emissions.
Chinese Website: Cheersonic Provides Professional Coating Solutions
