%0 Journal Article
%A Claire R Arthurs
%A Ahmet Kusoglu
%B Journal of The Electrochemical Society
%D 2024
%I The Electrochemical Society
%N 9
%P 094510
%R 10.1149/1945-7111/ad7a26
%T Mechanical Characterization of Electrolyzer Membranes and Components Under Compression
%U https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1149/1945-7111/ad7a26/meta
%V 171
%8 02/09/2024
%X <p>Proton-exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis is a promising technology for producing clean hydrogen by electrochemically splitting water when paired with renewable energy sources. A major roadblock to improving electrolyzer durability is the mechanical degradation of the cell components, which requires an understanding of their mechanical response under device-relevant conditions. However, there is a lack of studies on the mechanical characterization of the PEM and other components, as well as and their interactions. This study aims to address this gap by using a custom-designed testing apparatus to investigate the mechanics of electrolyzer components in uniaxial compression at 25 and 80 °C. Findings show stress-strain response of components have a varying degree of nonlinearity owing to their distinct deformation mechanisms and morphologies, from porous structures to polymers. These results are used to develop an expression for compressive stress-strain response of Nafion membranes and then analyze the deformation of components under applied pressure by using a 1-D spring network model of cell assembly. This work provides a new understanding of mechanical responses of the electrolyzer membrane and cell components, which can help assess material design and cell assembly strategies for improved electrolyzer durability.</p>