Alkaline Electrolyzed Water
Green hydrogen is to generate electricity through renewable energy, and then obtain hydrogen through electrolysis of water. Hydrogen production by electrolysis of water is to decompose water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen through an electrochemical process under the action of direct current, which are separated out at the cathode and anode respectively. At present, there are three main technical routes for hydrogen production by electrolysis of water, namely alkaline electrolysis (AWE), proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis and solid oxide (SOEC) three technical routes.
Among the above three technical routes, the alkaline electrolysis water hydrogen production technology route is the most mature, the cost is the lowest, and it is more economical at present. Let’s take a look at the technical principles of alkaline electrolysis of water for hydrogen production.
Alkaline electrolyzed water technology uses KOH and NaOH aqueous solutions as electrolytes, such as using asbestos cloth as a diaphragm, and electrolyzes water into hydrogen and oxygen under the action of direct current.
Principle:
At the cathode, water molecules are decomposed into hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions, and the hydrogen ions get electrons to generate hydrogen atoms, which further generate hydrogen molecules;
The hydroxide ions pass through the porous diaphragm under the action of the electric field force between the cathode and the anode to reach the anode, where they lose electrons to generate water molecules and oxygen molecules.
The gas produced by electrolysis will contain lye, therefore, the produced gas should be treated with a de-alkali mist.
Advantages of alkaline electrolyzers
In the current hydrogen production technology from water electrolysis, the alkaline electrolyzer technology is the most mature and the production cost is the lowest.
Limitations of Alkaline Electrolyzers
1) The energy efficiency of alkaline electrolyzers is low, usually around 60%;
2) Alkaline electrolytes (such as KOH) will react with CO2 in the air to form carbonates that are insoluble in water under alkaline conditions. These insoluble carbonates will block the porous catalytic layer and hinder the production of products and reactants. transfer, greatly reducing the performance of the electrolytic cell;
3) It is difficult to quickly shut down or start an alkaline electrolytic cell, and it is difficult to quickly adjust the hydrogen production rate, because the pressure on both sides of the anode and cathode of the electrolytic cell must be kept balanced at all times to prevent the hydrogen-oxygen gas from mixing through the porous asbestos membrane, thereby causing explode.
4) Alkaline electrolyzers are difficult to cooperate with renewable energy sources with fast fluctuation characteristics.
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