Electrochemical hydrogen pumping

Abstract

The use of polymer electrolyte membranes for hydrogen separation and purification was reported many years ago, but has seen new growth in recent years with the development of new membrane materials. Electrochemical hydrogen pumping has the potential to be used in many applications such as hydrogen recirculation, fuel cell applications, compression, and electroanalytical characterization methods. Various types of polymer membranes, e.g., polybenzimidazoles, perfluorosulfonic acid-based membranes, and poly(ether ether ketones) have all been examined in hydrogen pumping. The type of polymer membrane used in the pump cell affects the temperature of operation and the overall performance and efficiency. This chapter discusses the electrochemistry behind electrochemical hydrogen pumping, various types of polymer membranes that have been tested, and potential applications and limitations for these devices.