LDH-Blended ZrO₂/Polysulfone Composite Membrane for Alkaline Water Electrolysis

Alkaline water electrolysis (AWE) is a promising and mature technology for green hydrogen production, with the membrane playing a key role in facilitating hydroxide ion conduction and preventing gas crossover. In this study, we present a ZxLDHx/PSU composite membrane that exhibits high hydrophilicity, ultralow area resistance (0.18 Ω·cm2), ultrahigh porosity (86%), and excellent water absorption capacity (107.3%). The CoFe LDH incorporated into the mixed membrane plays a dual role: (1) optimizing the microporous structure; (2) enabling hydroxide conduction. Using the Z77LDH8/PSU, electrolytic cells equipped with Ni foam/Ni foam or NiMo foam/NiFe foam electrodes achieve current densities of 590 mA·cm–2 and 1040 mA·cm–2 at 2 V, respectively. The membrane also demonstrates high stability, maintaining performance for over 150 h at a current density of 1000 mA·cm–2.