Fueiceel® Research Grade Alkaline Water Electrolysis Stack (1 cm²/unit Circular Electrode)

A Research Grade Alkaline Water Electrolysis Stack with a 1 cm²/unit circular electrode is a specialized setup used in electrochemical research, focusing on hydrogen production through water electrolysis. This system features a porous PPS membrane and nickel alloy catalyst-coated electrodes. Below is a comprehensive overview, including details on series and parallel configurations within the stack:

1. Alkaline Water Electrolysis Stack

• Purpose: This stack is designed to electrolyze water, producing hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂) gases using electrical energy in an alkaline medium (e.g. 30wt% KOH). The setup is commonly employed in research laboratories to study and optimize the efficiency, durability, and performance of different materials and configurations.

• Stack Configuration: The stack can be configured with multiple cells, either in series (to increase voltage) or parallel (to increase current capacity), depending on the specific research objectives and desired electrical characteristics. The stacks are shipped out in series unless otherwise specified.

  
  

2. Circular Electrode

• Size and Shape: Each cell in the stack contains circular electrodes with a 1 cm²/unit active area (Φ11.3mm cathode electrode), which allows for precise control and measurement of electrochemical properties.
• Electrode Materials: The electrodes are coated with a nickel alloy catalyst, which enhances the electrochemical reactions, particularly in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at the anode and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at the cathode. The electrodes are not included in the stack hardwares, but in the complete stacks.

• Catalyst Performance: Nickel alloy catalysts are valued for their effectiveness in alkaline environments, offering a balance between cost and catalytic efficiency.

  
  

3. Porous PPS Membrane

• Membrane Material: The porous Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) membrane acts as a separator between the anode and cathode, allowing hydroxide ions (OH⁻) to pass while preventing the mixing of hydrogen and oxygen gases. The membrane is not included in the stack hardwares, but in the complete stacks.

• Functionality: The porous membrane improves ion transport, reduces ohmic resistance, and enhances the overall efficiency of the electrolysis process, all while maintaining the purity of the gases produced.

4. Alkaline Electrolyte

• Electrolyte Composition: The electrolyte is a concentrated solution of potassium hydroxide (KOH), typically ranging from 20-40%. This strong alkaline medium facilitates the movement of hydroxide ions and supports the electrochemical reactions.

• Temperature Control: The electrolyte is often maintained at elevated temperatures (60-90°C) to improve reaction kinetics and overall efficiency.

  
  

5. Cell Design and Operation

• Single Cell Structure: Each cell includes an anode, cathode, and the porous PPS membrane separator. The nickel alloy-coated electrodes are positioned on either side of the membrane where the electrochemical reactions occur.
• Current Density: With a 1 cm²/unit electrode area, current densities can be precisely controlled, typically ranging from 100 mA/cm² to several A/cm², depending on the experimental setup.

• Voltage Monitoring: The voltage across each cell is closely monitored to study overpotentials and the efficiency of the water-splitting process.

  
  

6. Series and Parallel Configurations

• Series Configuration (default):

  • Voltage Increase: In a series configuration, multiple cells are connected end-to-end, so the voltage of each cell adds up, while the current remains the same across all cells. This configuration is used when higher voltage output is needed.
  • Application: This setup is particularly useful in research scenarios where the focus is on studying the effects of higher voltage on electrolysis efficiency and material performance.
  • Voltage Distribution: It is crucial to ensure that the voltage is evenly distributed across all cells to prevent degradation or failure of individual cells.

• Parallel Configuration:

  • Current Increase: In a parallel configuration, cells are connected so that the total current is the sum of the currents through each cell, while the voltage remains the same across all cells. This is useful when higher hydrogen production rates are desired at lower voltages.
  • Application: Parallel configuration is often used in experiments that aim to maximize gas output or to test the current-carrying capacity and durability of materials under higher current densities.

  • Current Distribution: Ensuring equal current distribution across cells is essential to prevent hotspots and ensure uniform performance across the stack.

    
    

7. Gas Management System

• Hydrogen and Oxygen Collection: The gases produced are collected separately and analyzed to determine the efficiency of the electrolysis process. Proper gas handling systems are essential to ensure safety and prevent cross-contamination.

• Pressure Control: The system can operate at atmospheric pressure or under slightly elevated pressures, depending on the research objectives. Operating under pressure can increase the solubility of gases in the electrolyte and impact overall efficiency.

  
  

8. Research Applications

• Material Testing: The setup is ideal for testing new electrode materials, coatings, and electrolyte compositions to improve efficiency and extend the lifespan of the components.
• Performance Characterization: Techniques such as cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and polarization curves are used to characterize the electrochemical performance of the stack.

• Durability Studies: Long-term testing is conducted to study the degradation mechanisms of the nickel alloy-coated electrodes and the PPS membrane, providing insights into the development of commercially viable electrolysis systems.

  
  

9. Optimization Strategies

• Electrode and Membrane Design: Researchers may experiment with different electrode geometries, surface treatments, and membrane properties to optimize performance.
• Electrolyte Concentration and Temperature: The concentration of the alkaline solution and the operating temperature are adjusted to enhance efficiency and reduce energy consumption.

• Stack Configuration: The choice between series and parallel configurations allows researchers to tailor the system’s performance to specific experimental goals, whether focusing on voltage behavior, current density, or overall gas production.

  
  

10. Safety Considerations

• Gas Separation: The porous PPS membrane ensures effective separation of hydrogen and oxygen gases, which is critical to prevent explosive mixtures. Monitoring gas purity and maintaining membrane integrity are key safety measures.

• Electrolyte Handling: The caustic nature of the alkaline electrolyte necessitates the use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and strict adherence to safety protocols.

  
  

In summary, this Research Grade Alkaline Water Electrolysis Stack with a 1 cm²/unit circular electrode and porous PPS membrane is a sophisticated tool for studying the electrochemical processes involved in water splitting. The system’s flexibility in series or parallel configurations makes it invaluable for optimizing material performance and developing more efficient and cost-effective hydrogen production technologies.

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Research Grade Alkaline Stack (1cm2/unit, Circular Electrode) - Specifications
Model	AWE1AC-1cell	AWE1AC-2cell	AWE1AC-3cell	AWE1AC-5cell	AWE1AC-10cell	AWE1AC-15cell	AWE1AC-20cell
Size	57x57x27mm	57x57x33mm	57x57x39mm	57x57x51mm	57x57x81mm	57x57x111mm	57x57x141mm
Stack No.	1	2	3	5	10	15	20
Voltage	1.6-2V	3.2-4V	4.8-6V	8-10V	16-20V	24-30V	32-40V
	Stack image with epoxy end plate
	USD$299	USD$399	USD$499	USD$699	USD$1199	USD$1699	USD$2199
	Stack schematic drawing with epoxy end plate
	USD$399	USD$499	USD$599	USD$799	USD$1299	USD$1799	USD$2299
	Stack schematic drawing with epoxy end plate and temperature sensors
Current density		0.6-3A/cm²
Electrode size		Cathode Φ11.3mm, Anode Φ15.8mm
Electrode		Nickel composite (not included)
Electrolyte		KOH, 30wt%
Temperature range		15~80℃
Membrane		Φ15.8mm PPS membrane (not included)
Polar plate material		Nickel (standard)
Chamber material		Engineering plastic (standard), PEEK (+USD$200)
End plate material		Conventional (epoxy, standard), observable (PMMA, optional), Stainless steel (+USD$200) Titanium (+USD$300), Nickel (+USD$400), Gold plated stainless steel (+USD$500), Platinzed titanium (+USD$600)
The parameters in this table are based on the series assembly of stacks. The stacks can also be assembled in parallel or series-parallel coexistence configurations.

Partial references citing our materials (from Google Scholar)

Carbon Dioxide Reduction

1. ACS Nano Strain Relaxation in Metal Alloy Catalysts Steers the Product Selectivity of Electrocatalytic CO₂ Reduction

The bipolar membrane (Fumasep FBM) in this paper was purchased from SCI Materials Hub, which was used in rechargeable Zn-CO₂ battery tests. The authors reported a strain relaxation strategy to determine lattice strains in bimetal MNi alloys (M = Pd, Ag, and Au) and realized an outstanding CO₂-to-CO Faradaic efficiency of 96.6% with outstanding activity and durability toward a Zn-CO₂ battery.

2. Front. Chem. Boosting Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Reduction on Atomically Dispersed Nickel Catalyst

In this paper, Vulcan XC-72R was purchased from SCI Materials Hub. Vulcan XC 72R carbon is the most common catalyst support used in the anode and cathode electrodes of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC), Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFC), Alkaline Fuel Cells (AFC), Microbial Fuel Cells (MFC), Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells (PAFC), and many more!

3. Adv. Mater. Partially Nitrided Ni Nanoclusters Achieve Energy-Efficient Electrocatalytic CO₂ Reduction to CO at Ultralow Overpotential

An AEM membrane (Sustainion X37-50 Grade RT, purchased from SCI Materials Hub) was activated in 1 M KOH for 24 h, washed with ultra-purity water prior to use.

4. Adv. Funct. Mater. Nanoconfined Molecular Catalysts in Integrated Gas Diffusion Electrodes for High-Current-Density CO₂ Electroreduction

In this paper (Supporting Information), an anion exchanged membrane (Fumasep FAB-PK-130 obtained from SCI Materials Hub (www.scimaterials.cn)) was used to separate the catholyte and anolyte chambers.

SCI Materials Hub: we also recommend our Fumasep FAB-PK-75 for the use in a flow cell.

5. Appl. Catal. B Efficient utilization of nickel single atoms for CO₂ electroreduction by constructing 3D interconnected nitrogen-doped carbon tube network

In this paper, the Nafion 117 membrane was obtained from SCI Materials Hub.

6. Vacuum Modulable Cu(0)/Cu(I)/Cu(II) sites of Cu/C catalysts derived from MOF for highly selective CO₂ electroreduction to hydrocarbons

In this paper, Proton exchange membrane (Nafion 117), Nafion D520, and Toray 060 carbon paper were purchased from SCI Materials Hub.

7. National Science Review Confinement of ionomer for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction via efficient mass transfer pathways

An anion exchange membrane (PiperION-A15-HCO3) was obtained from SCI Materials Hub.

8. Catalysis Communications Facilitating CO2 electroreduction to C2H4 through facile regulating {100} & {111} grain boundary of Cu2O

Carbon paper (TGPH060), membrane solution (Nafion D520), and ionic membrane (Nafion N117) were obtained from Wuhu Eryi Material Technology Co., Ltd (a company under SCI Materials Hub).

Batteries

1. J. Mater. Chem. A Blocking polysulfides with a Janus Fe3C/N-CNF@RGO electrode via physiochemical confinement and catalytic conversion for high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries

Graphene oxide (GO) in this paper was obtained from SCI Materials Hub. The authors introduced a Janus Fe3C/N-CNF@RGO electrode consisting of 1D Fe3C decorated N-doped carbon nanofibers (Fe3C/N-CNFs) side and 2D reduced graphene oxide (RGO) side as the free-standing carrier of Li2S6 catholyte to improve the overall electrochemical performance of Li-S batteries.

2. Joule A high-voltage and stable zinc-air battery enabled by dual-hydrophobic-induced proton shuttle shielding

This paper used more than 10 kinds of materials from SCI Materials Hub and the authors gave detailed properity comparsion.

The commercial IEMs of Fumasep FAB-PK-130 and Nafion N117 were obtained from SCI Materials Hub.

Gas diffusion layers of GDL340 (CeTech) and SGL39BC (Sigracet) and Nafion dispersion (Nafion D520) were obtained from SCI Materials Hub.

Zn foil (100 mm thickness) and Zn powder were obtained from the SCI Materials Hub.

Commercial 20% Pt/C, 40% Pt/C and IrO2 catalysts were also obtained from SCI Materials Hub.

3. Journal of Energy Chemistry Vanadium oxide nanospheres encapsulated in N-doped carbon nanofibers with morphology and defect dual-engineering toward advanced aqueous zinc-ion batteries

In this paper, carbon cloth (W0S1011) was obtained from SCI Materials Hub. The flexible carbon cloth matrix guaranteed the stabilization of the electrode and improved the conductivity of the cathode.

4. Energy Storage Materials Defect-abundant commercializable 3D carbon papers for fabricating composite Li anode with high loading and long life

The 3D carbon paper (TGPH060 raw paper) were purchased from SCI Materials Hub.

5. Nanomaterials A Stable Rechargeable Aqueous Zn–Air Battery Enabled by Heterogeneous MoS2 Cathode Catalysts

Nafion D520 (5 wt%), and carbon paper (GDL340) were received from SCI-Materials-Hub.

6. SSRN An Axially Directed Cobalt-Phthalocyanine Covalent Organic Polymer as High-Efficient Bifunctional Catalyst for Zn-Air Battery

Carbon cloth (W0S1011) and other electrochemical consumables required for air cathode were provided by SCI Materials Hub.

Oxygen Reduction Reaction

1. J. Chem. Eng. Superior Efficiency Hydrogen Peroxide Production in Acidic Media through Epoxy Group Adjacent to Co-O/C Active Centers on Carbon Black

In this paper, Vulcan XC 72 carbon black, ion membrane (Nafion N115, 127 μL), Nafion solution (D520, 5 wt%), and carbon paper (AvCarb GDS 2230 and Spectracarb 2050A-1050) were purchased from SCI Materials Hub.

2. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science Gaining insight into the impact of electronic property and interface electrostatic field on ORR kinetics in alloy engineering via theoretical prognostication and experimental validation

The 20 wt% Pt3M (M = Cr, Co, Cu, Pd, Sn, and Ir) were purchased from SCI Materials Hub. This work places emphasis on the kinetics of the ORR concerning Pt3M (M = Cr, Co, Cu, Pd, Sn, and Ir) catalysts, and integrates theoretical prognostication and experimental validation to illuminate the fundamental principles of alloy engineering.

Water Electrolysis

1. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy Gold as an efficient hydrogen isotope separation catalyst in proton exchange membrane water electrolysis

The cathodic catalysts of Pt/C (20 wt%, 2–3 nm) and Au/C (20 wt%, 4–5 nm) were purchased from SCI Materials Hub.

2. Small Science Silver Compositing Boosts Water Electrolysis Activity and Durability of RuO2 in a Proton-Exchange-Membrane Water Electrolyzer

Two fiber felts (0.35 mm thickness, SCI Materials Hub) were used as the porous transport layers at both the cathode and the anode.

3. Advanced Functional Materials Hierarchical Crystalline/Amorphous Heterostructure MoNi/NiMoOx for Electrochemical Hydrogen Evolution with Industry-Level Activity and Stability

Anion-exchange membrane (FAA-3-PK-130) was obtained from SCI Materials Hub website.

Fuel Cells

1. Polymer Sub-two-micron ultrathin proton exchange membrane with reinforced mechanical strength

Gas diffusion electrode (60% Pt/C, Carbon paper) was purchased from SCI Materials Hub.

Characterization

1. Chemical Engineering Journal Electrochemical reconstitution of Prussian blue analogue for coupling furfural electro-oxidation with photo-assisted hydrogen evolution reaction

An Au nanoparticle film was deposited on the total reflecting plane of a single reflection ATR crystal (SCI Materials Hub, Wuhu, China) via sputter coater.