Technology Unit

The Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Electrolyzer has the following key components:
➕ 𝗔𝗻𝗼𝗱𝗲 – Water is catalytically oxidized into Protons (H⁺), Oxygen (O₂) and Electrons (e⁻) by the typically Iridium/Ruthenium Anode.
➡ 𝗣𝗘𝗠 – As its name suggests, only H⁺ Protons can pass through to reach the Cathode. A small amount of water is also pulled through due to Electro-Osmotic Drag.
⚡ 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 – Commonly wind or solar power provides the current and moves the electrons from the Anode to the Cathode.
➖ 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱𝗲 – Protons and Electrons combine at the Platinum/Palladium Cathode to produce Hydrogen.
💧 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 – Water is separated from the Oxygen and Hydrogen streams, which are then cooled and recycled back to the PEM Electrolyzer.

1. Joaquim Tsu, Bryan Research & Engineering, LLC, Jan 2023, Linkedin, https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7013684373338148864-Eg8j