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

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.

Automated summary

We propose a MEA for a proton exchange membrane water electrolyzer with a graphene oxide (GO) layer at the cathode side. This GO layer strengthens the MEA, allowing for operation at a higher pressure difference and preventing water and hydrogen crossover. It also eliminates the need for hydrogen clean-up steps and allows for a thinner polymer electrolyte membrane, saving cost. The effect of electro-osmotic drag on water content in the MEA is discussed, suggesting an oversaturated membrane is desirable.