Optimizing flow configurations and membrane durability in chlor-alkali reversible electrochemical cells

This study investigated the effects of inlet/outlet flow configurations and the type of cationic exchange membrane in the performance of chlor-alkali reversible cells designed for renewable energy storage. Using a custom 3D-printed, laboratory-made electrochemical cell capable of operating in both e...

Descripción completa

Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Mohammed, Mahmoud Mohammed Gomaa, Requena Leal, Iñaki, Granados Fernández, Rafael, Rodrigo Rodrigo, Manuel Andrés, Lobato Bajo, Justo
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha
Repositorio:RUIdeRA. Repositorio Institucional de la UCLM
OAI Identifier:oai:ruidera.uclm.es:10578/45116
Acceso en línea:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.est.2025.116949
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352152X25016627?ssrnid=5045880&dgcid=SSRN_redirect_SD
https://hdl.handle.net/10578/45116
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Chlor-alkali
Efficiency
Energy storage
Hydrodynamics
Unitized reversible cell
Descripción
Sumario:This study investigated the effects of inlet/outlet flow configurations and the type of cationic exchange membrane in the performance of chlor-alkali reversible cells designed for renewable energy storage. Using a custom 3D-printed, laboratory-made electrochemical cell capable of operating in both electrolysis and H2/Cl2 fuel cell modes. In electrolysis mode, the system produces chlorine (Cl2) gas at the anode, hydrogen (H2) gas at the cathode, and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as a byproduct, which has potential applications in CO2 fixation. The performance of the cell with different membranes, both in Na+ and H+ forms, was studied, highlighting the influence of membrane type, temperature, and flow dynamics on system efficiency. Using the designed system, Faradaic efficiency for hydrogen production exceeds 96 %, with the highest energy efficiency reaching 42 % at 80 °C using Na+ form membranes, demonstrating the systems high effectiveness in converting energy during the electrolysis process. Also, it was found that increasing the temperature enhances the performance in both electrolysis and fuel cell modes. Membranes in the Na+ form perform better in electrolysis mode, while those in the H+ form show superior efficiency in fuel cell mode. Also, the results indicate optimal fluid dynamics, specifically vertical outlet configurations, enhance bubble removal, reduce ohmic resistance, and improve overall efficiency.