With an increasing interest in water electrolysis for hydrogen production, renewable energy sources like solar and wind needed the anion exchange membrane electrolyzers. Alkaline water electrolysis is a mainly adopted other technology for green hydrogen production. However, the efficiency and durability of this process largely depend on the quality of materials used in the electrolyser which is known as the porous transport layers (PTLs) used for efficient liquid distribution and gas extraction.
In this blog, we will explore the role of porous transport layer with sintered metal filter offered by Kumar Process Consultants to enhance the performance of alkaline electrolysers.
The porous transport layer (PTL) plays an important role in the process of alkaline electrolyzers, serving multiple functions such as facilitating the transport of water, hydroxide ions, and oxygen bubbles. It also supports electron conduction, making it a critical element for the electrochemical reactions occurring in the alkaline electrolyzer membrane. The PTL ensures that the water supplied to the system can move towards the catalyst layer efficiently, where it undergoes the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at the cathode and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the anode.
The PTL in alkaline electrolysis setup used for several functions that are needed to increase the efficiency of the electrolyzer:
Sintered porous metals filters are increasingly popular due to their ability to combine high the ability of a substance to allow gases or liquids to pass through it with excellent mechanical strength. The sintering process, which involves compressing and heating metal powders to form a cohesive structure, creates a network of uniform pores that ensure efficient gas-liquid separation. These sintered PTLs are durable, resistant to corrosion, and capable to handle high current densities.
As the demand for low-cost and efficient hydrogen production rises, the need for alkaline electrolyzer membranes and PTL materials also increases. Researchers are focusing on optimizing the porous transport layer alkaline electrolysis by experimenting with different materials, fabrication methods, and structural configurations in order to keep perfect balance between porosity, conductivity, and durability for producing hydrogen at a lower cost.
Sintered metal membranes provide high permeability, strength, and corrosion resistance, improving gas-liquid management, reducing losses, and enhancing electrolyser efficiency and lifespan.
A porous transport layer (PTL) is a key component in electrolysis systems, facilitating electrical and mass transport. It helps manage surface passivation, withstands acidic environments, and operates at high temperatures.
Alkaline electrolysis splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using a direct current passed through an alkaline electrolyte (typically KOH or NaOH), allowing ion conduction during the process.
Alkaline electrolysis offers scalability, enabling large-scale hydrogen production, which makes it suitable for high-capacity applications with flexible demand.