Fabrication of novel mixed matrix polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) intended for renewable hydrogen production via electrolysis application

Abstract

Hydrogen gas is among the sustainable energy forms that counteract the energy crisis. Polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) derived from biomass fillers and polyvinyl-based matrix blends have been fabricated and applied in H₂ generation through electrolysis. Faradaic efficiencies ranging from 82.8 ± 1.9% to 88.9 ± 1.6% were exhibited when voltages of 6.5 V, 8 V and 10 V were applied; thus, proton conduction and hence H₂ generation commenced at 2–2.5 V. The apparent morphology of the PEMs that verified the incorporation of pine bark (PB) and Chinese Tallow Seed Capsule (CT) fillers was visible as surface bumps and internal cavities within the PEMs. Although the proton conductivity of Nafion™ 115's (NF-M) was 23.94 mS cm⁻¹, those of the fabricated PEMs (PB-M, CT-M and SSA-M) were 1.33, 0.46 and 0.48 mS cm⁻¹, respectively. The PB-M exhibited good characteristics, including functional groups and water adsorption; thus, H₂ production was achieved, but losses such as bubble production affected efficiency. This study presents a cost-effective alternative for H₂ production that can be used in diverse applications.