Response characteristics of platinum coated titanium bipolar plates for proton exchange membrane water electrolysis under fluctuating conditions
Yingyu Ding, Xiejing Luo, Luqi Chang, Chaofang Dong
Abstract
• The effects of fluctuating loads on coated metallic bipolar plates were investigated. • Frequency of voltage fluctuations alters the reaction processes on the metal surface. • Surface conditions of the bipolar plates were further analyzed by XPS and EIS. Voltage fluctuations in energy input not only impact the overall hydrogen production efficiency and stability of Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis (PEMWE) systems but also pose significant challenges to the long-term service life of individual components. This study focuses on the key component − bipolar plates and investigates the response behavior of platinum-coated titanium bipolar plates under simulated fluctuating voltage conditions. By integrating surface phase analysis and electrochemical testing results, this research elucidates the response characteristics of the bipolar plates to different voltage waveforms and frequencies. And the findings hold substantial significance for the upstream energy control in hydrogen production through water electrolysis.