Electrochemical Hydrogen Separation and Compression

Abstract The potential benefits of hydrogen as an energy carrier can only be realized when its production, storage, and distribution are accomplished in a sustainable, safe, and efficient manner. For numerous end-user applications, a convenient solution is to separate hydrogen from a mixture containing hydrogen and store it as a compressed gas. Electrochemical hydrogen separation and compression (ECHSC) represents a promising alternative to conventional hydrogen separators and compressors because it can purify and compress hydrogen simultaneously in a single step. Furthermore, ECHSC offers additional advantages such as higher efficiency, lack of moving parts, noiseless operation, and modularity. Here, experimental results on ECHSC performance are presented in three modes, viz. electrochemical hydrogen pumping, separation, and compression. Gas mixtures containing various volume fractions (75%:25%; 50%:50%; 25%:75%) of hydrogen in nitrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide were employed for separation and compression studies. Various operating parameters were explored to investigate ECHSC performance. The ECHSC outlet hydrogen purity exceeded 99% for all three H 2 –N 2 and H 2 –CH 4 inlet mixtures and 95% for all three H 2 –CO 2 inlet mixtures. The study also revealed the effect of CO poisoning for the case of the H 2 –CO 2 inlet mixture. The results suggest that ECHSC is a viable alternative to conventional technologies for hydrogen separation and compression. Graphical Abstract