Research Trend in Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis System

Ok-Hee Kim^*

Commander, ROK Navy/Professor, Dept. of Science, ROK Naval Academy

음이온 교환막 수전해 시스템 연구 동향

김옥희^*

해군중령/해군사관학교 기초과학과 교수

Correspondence to: ^*Ok-Hee Kim Dept. of Science, Republic of Korea Naval Academy, Republic of Korea 1 Jungwon-ro, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyungsangnam-do, 51704, Republic of Korea Tel: +82-55-907-5236 Fax: +82-55-907-5231 E-mail: koh0715@navy.ac.kr

Abstract

In this paper, we have examined the key developmental issues and corresponding research trends of the anion exchange membrane electrolysis system. This system is regarded as the most economically viable and efficient among the current green hydrogen production methods, although it is still in the stage of research and development. Regarding the electrode catalyst, to capitalize on the advantages of utilizing non-precious metal materials under alkaline conditions, it is imperative to address both the enhancement of oxidation electrode catalyst performance and the design of electrodes with long-term stability. In terms of the ion exchange membrane used as the electrolyte, it should demonstrate low ion conductivity and improved durability in alkaline environment. Moreover, there is a growing demand for the development of innovative membrane-electrode assembly structure that can optimize the performance of the system components.

초록

본 논문에서는 현재 그린수소 생산방식 중 가장 경제적이고 효율적인 시스템으로 여겨지나, 아직 기술상용화 연구개발 단계에 있는 음이온 교환막 수전해 시스템의 주요 개발 이슈와 이에 따른 연구 동향에 대해 살펴보았다. 전극 촉매의 경우 알칼리 조건에서 비귀금속 재료를 적용할 수 있는 장점을 살리기 위해서는 산화극촉매 성능 개선과 더불어 장기 안정성을 고려한 전극설계가 필요하며, 전해질로 적용하는 음이온 교환막은 낮은 이온 전도성과 알칼리 환경에서의 내구성을 상승시켜야 한다. 또한, 구성요소들의 성능을 극대화할 수 있는 새로운 구조의 막-전극 접합체 개발이 요구된다.

Keywords:

Anion Exchange Membrane, Water Electrolysis, Electrocatalyst, Membrane-Electrode Assembly

키워드:

음이온 교환막, 수전해, 전기화학촉매, 막-전극 접합체

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