Managing Gas Bubble Dynamics in Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers for Enhanced Hydrogen Production

The urgent need to address climate change and reduce carbon emissions has intensified interest in hydrogen production as a sustainable energy source. Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis (PEMWE) offers a clean method for generating high-purity hydrogen by electrochemically splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen, utilizing renewable energy sources. However, the accumulation of oxygen as a by-product obstructs reactant and product flow within the porous transport layer, leading to increased reaction overvoltages and electrolyte resistance. This phenomenon results in mass transport losses and diminished catalyst utilization, ultimately compromising cell performance. To advance PEMWE technology and broaden its applicability, developing effective bubble management strategies is crucial. This poster presents a review of gas bubble behavior in PEMWEs, including bubble formation, two-phase flow, and their effects on performance across various operating conditions. Recent advancements in both passive and active bubble management strategies aimed at mitigating performance losses are summarized. Finally, key scientific questions and future research directions in this area are identified. By improving our understanding of bubble dynamics and multiphase flow in PEMWEs, this work supports ongoing research efforts and provides a pathway for advancing PEMWEs as a commercially viable solution for green hydrogen production.