GOMEA: A Conceptual Design of a Membrane Electrode Assembly for a Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyzer

Abstract

We are proposing a conceptual membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of a proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer that includes a layer of graphene oxide (GO) at the cathode side. This GO layer primarily reinforces the MEA to allow operation at a higher pressure difference between the cathode and anode side. Additional benefits would be that a perfect GO layer would prevent both water and hydrogen crossover and thus would allow for pure, dry hydrogen escaping directly from the electrolyzer without losses due to hydrogen crossover, thus eliminating the need for hydrogen clean-up steps. The mechanical strength of graphene will also allow for a thinner polymer electrolyte membrane and could thus save cost. Finally, the effect of electro–osmotic drag on the water content in such an MEA is discussed, and it is argued that it could lead to an oversaturated membrane, which is highly desirable.