Takeaways
- The PEM is the Proton Exchange Film and it's a thin plastic film.
- PEM membranes are used as both a separator and a conductor during the electrolysis procedure.
- PEM membranes separate protons from oxygen for the production of hydrogen and keep electrons and oxygen on separate pathways.
Normal water is made up of two oxygen molecules and one hydrogen molecule. Normal water is hydrogen-enriched when it has a greater concentration of hydrogen gas in the water. You may be wondering how the hydrogen-enriched waters get its extra dissolved hydrogen. Hydrogen Gas molecules are a good example.
One of the most effective ways to produce hydrogen water is through electrolysis. This process breaks down the water molecules to their building blocks: hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2). In electrolysis, PEM membranes act as both conductors (as they are thin layers) and separators (as they form a layer).
Let's define PEM membranes before we move on.
What is a PEM Membrane?
The PEM membrane (Proton Exchange Mesh) or the polymer electrolyte is a thin, flexible film that has special properties. The PEM membrane has the following key features:
- Semipermeable:Allows some things to pass while blocking others.
- Proton conductor: Specific designed for conducting protons (H+ Ions).
- Insulator for electrical current:Stops electrons flowing through membranes.
- Barriere reactant:Separates different chemical reactions occurring on each side of the membrane.
Role of PEM membranes in Hydrogen Enrichment
The PEM membrane is the core component of electrolyzers, which are devices that make hydrogen-infused water suitable for human consumption. In the electrolysis process, PEM membranes work by: - The Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
- The anode reacts with water to form gaseous oxygen and bivalent acidic cations (positively charged ions of hydrogen)
- An external circuit pumps electrons, and hydrogen ions pass through the PEM to the cathode.
Anode Reaction: 2H2O - O2 + 4H+ + 4e- Cathode reaction: "4H+ + 4-e- -> 2H2" Anode Reaction: 2H2O - O2 + 4H+ + 4e- Cathode Reaction: 4H+ + 4e- - 2H2"
You're not the only one who doesn't understand. Let's go through the steps one by one.
First Step: Solid Electrolyte An electrolyzer instead of using a liquid such as battery acid uses a thin plastic film known as a PEM. The PEM acts as a gatekeeper allowing some things through and blocking others.
Step 2: Water goes into the machine. In the electrolyzer, there are two sides: a cathode and anode. The PEM is positioned between the two and functions as a traffic police. Electricity breaks apart the molecules of water at the anode. The oxygen and protons are created.
Step 3: Proton highway: The membrane acts as a proton highway. The membrane allows the protons from water molecules that have been split to go through but prevents oxygen from moving the opposite way. The PEM blocks electrons. Imagine it as a tollbooth for protons.
Step 4: Path of the Electron: The protons can bypass the membrane by using the PEM shortcut. However, the created electrons from the splitting water cannot. They travel along an external wire to create an electric current, similar to that of a battery.
The separation of electrons is essential to the completion of an electrical circuit. They would combine directly with the protons at the other end if they passed through the PEM.
Step 5: Reunion of Hydrogen Gas: On one side of the PEM, the cathode, the protons and electrons are united. The hydrogen (H2) gas is created by this happy reunion.
The PEM keeps the oxygen produced by the anode separate. The oxygen gas is safely released into the air.
Simplified PEM Membranes
What you should know about PEM Membranes and their role when it comes to creating hydrogen-enriched drinking water
The device splits the water by electrolysis, while PEM membranes act as gatekeepers, keeping oxygen and electrons separate. The technology can then focus on creating a water environment that allows for the presence of more hydrogen.
PEM membranes allow electrolyzers to create hydrogen-enriched drinking water. We would all be drinking regular water without the antioxidants of hydrogen water.
Get your hydrogen kettle or water bottle today to see the electrolysis in action.
