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Sulfonated polybenzimidazole for low-alkalinity ion solvating membrane water electrolysis

Author

Listed:
  • Muhammad Mara Ikhsan

    (Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Center for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells
    University of Science and Technology (UST), Division of Energy and Environment Technology, KIST School)

  • Chaeyeon Yang

    (Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Center for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells
    Seoul National University (SNU), Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering)

  • Kamal Ghotia

    (German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Engineering Thermodynamics)

  • Franz Egert

    (German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Engineering Thermodynamics
    Faculty 6–Aerospace Engineering and Geodesy, University of Stuttgart)

  • Syed-Asif Ansar

    (German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Engineering Thermodynamics)

  • Olga Żurowska

    (Jagiellonian University, Department of Theoretical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry
    Jagiellonian University, Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences)

  • Maria Rózga

    (Jagiellonian University, Department of Theoretical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry)

  • Artur Michalak

    (Jagiellonian University, Department of Theoretical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry)

  • Mikkel Rykær Kraglund

    (Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Department of Energy Conversion and Storage)

  • David Aili

    (Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Department of Energy Conversion and Storage)

  • Hyun S. Park

    (Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Center for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells
    University of Science and Technology (UST), Division of Energy and Environment Technology, KIST School)

  • Fatemeh Razmjooei

    (German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Engineering Thermodynamics)

  • Dirk Henkensmeier

    (Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Center for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells
    University of Science and Technology (UST), Division of Energy and Environment Technology, KIST School
    Korea University, KU-KIST School)

Abstract

Ion solvating membranes based on polybenzimidazole (PBI) are alternatives to diaphragms in alkaline water electrolysers but can typically only operate with electrolyte concentrations of 15–30 wt% KOH. Sulfonation of the membrane broadens the operational range to 0.1 wt%–30 wt%; however, the swelling of sulfonated para-PBI means that crosslinkers are needed, complicating membrane fabrication and decreasing alkaline stability. Here we report a non-crosslinked PBI membrane with a 50% degree of sulfonation that shows a high room temperature conductivity in 1 M KOH of 135 mS cm−1. We did not observe degradation in a 6-month alkaline stability test at 80 °C. Using this membrane in an anion-exchange membrane water electrolyser, we report a current density of 4.8 A cm−2 at 2 V (3 M KOH at 80 °C; Pt and NiFe electrode catalysts); the H2 crossover to the O2 side remained 1,000 h without failure.

Suggested Citation

  • Muhammad Mara Ikhsan & Chaeyeon Yang & Kamal Ghotia & Franz Egert & Syed-Asif Ansar & Olga Żurowska & Maria Rózga & Artur Michalak & Mikkel Rykær Kraglund & David Aili & Hyun S. Park & Fatemeh Razmjoo, 2025. "Sulfonated polybenzimidazole for low-alkalinity ion solvating membrane water electrolysis," Nature Energy, Nature, vol. 10(11), pages 1347-1359, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natene:v:10:y:2025:i:11:d:10.1038_s41560-025-01876-9
    DOI: 10.1038/s41560-025-01876-9
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