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Functional Layer Systems
About
Modern membrane-based water electrolyzers consist of a complex architecture of functional layers. Nanoporous catalyst layers are electronically isolated by a thin, ion-conductive membrane. This multilayer system, only a few dozen micrometers thick, is called a membrane-electrode assembly. Adjacent porous transport layers are responsible for media supply, thermal regulation, electronic contact, and contribute to the cell’s mechanical properties. The research group "Functional Layer Systems" addresses questions concerning the physical, chemical, mechanical, and electrochemical properties of these layers and their interactions within the overall system. To this end, novel materials are processed into components and investigated and characterized using innovative experimental methods and models.
Research Topics
- Development and fabrication of membrane-electrode assemblies from novel catalysts (>250 mg required) and ionomers for diverse applications using doctor blade and ultrasonic spray systems (1–600 cm²).
- Dynamic mechanical analysis of materials and components (0.005–3 cm sample thickness).
- Localized measurement (~0.1 cm²) of electronic layer conductivities for hot and cold conductors as well as conductive polymers.
- Development and construction of automated electrolyzer test benches to measure polarization curves, electrochemical impedance spectra, hydrogen permeation etc.
- Short- and long-term testing of full cells for anion and proton exchange membrane (AEM/PEM) water electrolysis (1–25 cm²)
- Harmonization, standardization, and benchmarking of electrochemical measurement protocols in collaboration with research institutions worldwide.
- Experimental investigation and modeling of charge and mass transport through the functional layer system of water electrolyzers.
- Implementation of results into cross-scale, techno-economic system models to evaluate potential development pathways.
Publications
Carmo, M. et al.
PEM water electrolysis: Innovative approaches towards catalyst separation, recovery and recycling
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 44 (2019), 3450-3455
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2018.12.030
Galkina, I. et al.
Stability of Ni–Fe-Layered Double Hydroxide Under Long-Term Operation in AEM Water Electrolysis
Small 20 (2024) 2311047
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202311047
Lickert, T. et al.
Advances in benchmarking and round robin testing for PEM water electrolysis: Reference protocol and hardware
Applied Energy 352 (2023) 121898
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2023.121898
Scheepers, F., & Lehnert, W.
Investigating the Applicability of the Tafel Equation in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Electrolyzers via Statistical Analysis
Energies 17 (2024) 3298
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/en17133298
Scheepers, F., Stähler, A., Stähler, M., Carmo, M., Lehnert, W., & Stolten, D.
Layer Formation from Polymer Carbon-Black Dispersions
Coatings, 8 (2018) 450
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings8120450
Scheepers, F., Stähler, A., Stähler, M., Carmo, M., Lehnert, W., & Stolten, D.
Steering and in situ monitoring of drying phenomena during film fabrication
Journal of Coatings Technology and Research 16 (2019) 1213-1221
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11998-019-00206-5
Scheepers, F. et al.
Improving the Efficiency of PEM Electrolyzers through Membrane-Specific Pressure Optimization
Energies, 13 (2020) 612
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/en13030612
Scheepers, F. et al.
Temperature optimization for improving polymer electrolyte membrane-water electrolysis system efficiency
Applied Energy 283 (2021) 116270
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2020.116270
Utsch, N. et al.
Innovative Method for Reliable Measurement of PEM Water Electrolyzer Component Resistances
Small Methods (2025) 2401842
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/smtd.202401842
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Last Modified: 19.02.2025