Decomposing Reaction Kinetics in Alkaline Water Electrolyzers for Enhanced Efficiency
Key Ideas
- Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is utilized to analyze reaction kinetics in alkaline water electrolyzers (AWE) with high precision.
- Distribution of relaxation times (DRT) method is employed to quantify reaction kinetics, identifying distinct peaks associated with various processes.
- A fourth-order equivalent circuit model is developed to quantify kinetic losses, revealing dominance of ohmic impedance and charge transfer impedance.
- Research offers insights into sensitivity of different operating conditions on kinetic losses in AWE, providing a foundation for enhancing industrial hydrogen production efficiency.
The article focuses on the importance of understanding internal kinetics in alkaline water electrolyzers (AWE) for efficient green hydrogen production. By utilizing electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and the distribution of relaxation times (DRT) method, researchers quantify reaction kinetics in the AWE system. The study successfully identifies characteristic peaks in the spectra related to ion transfer, charge transfer, and gas/water mass transfer processes. A fourth-order equivalent circuit model is developed to quantify kinetic losses, highlighting the significance of ohmic impedance and charge transfer impedance. The research further evaluates the sensitivity of various operating parameters on kinetic losses, with findings indicating a notable influence of parameters like the electrolyte flow rate. Overall, the study aims to enhance efficiency in industrial hydrogen production by providing a targeted understanding of AWE kinetics and optimizing operating conditions for improved performance.