Anion Exchange Membranes (AEM) offer an alternative method of hydrogen electrolysis. AEM electrolysis uses a water splitting reaction to separate hydrogen and oxygen gases. The membrane is permeable to hydroxide ions. Though high pH-values favor the hydroxide transport through the membrane, neutral pH values significantly reduce corrosion. In AEM development, neutral pH values are one of the long-term targets. By using pure or slightly alkaline solutions as an electrolyte the risk of leakage and corrosion is further reduced. And while this technology undergoes development, it has potential to produce green hydrogen from renewable energy at lower LCOH.
AEM features several advantages over other methods, like increased effectiveness and higher cost efficiency. Its cost-efficiency gives AEM a competitive edge. Because electrodes operate in an alkaline environment, they can use low-cost metals. This is much unlike PEM, which is dependent upon more expensive, platinum-group metals and Ti-components. Metals aside, AEM produces high-purity hydrogen at 35 bar pressure. This enables AEM to maintain efficiency and safety by preventing gas-crossover throughout the process.
