Impact of power profile on activation of proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cell

The study examines how operating parameters affect the activation of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer during the initial operation of a membrane electrode assembly utilizing Nafion 115 ionomer. Previous research has shown that activating the membrane electrode assembly improves its performance by creating ion channels within the ionomer and expanding the electrochemically active surface. However, there is currently no scientific literature investigating the membrane electrode assembly activation of the electrolyzer, and there are no standardized procedures for activating the device before degradation tests. Therefore, a commercial single cell electrolyzer and commercial membrane electrode assemblies were used to investigate the impact of different power supply profiles and operating temperatures on the activation process. The electrochemically active surface area, membrane resistance, and current density at 2 V were measured and analyzed to evaluate different activation procedures. The results indicate that all the activation procedures lead to completion of activation within 32 h, but with different effects on the degree of change. Power profiles with the faster set point changes resulted in significant performance and stability improvements. The membrane electrode assembly was activated after 10 and 12 h of conditioning at 60 degrees C, with slightly less time required at 75 degrees C.