Ultra-thin PPS mesh-based PSF-ZrO2 composite diaphragm for efficient electrolysis of water for hydrogen production

The polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) mesh-based polysulfone (PSF)-zirconia (ZrO 2 ) composite diaphragm represents a new type of high-performance diaphragm for alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production, offering low area resistance and high chemical stability. In this study, composite diaphragms with excellent performance are prepared using preheated compression molding, phase inversion precipitation, and vacuum stirring degassing techniques. The comprehensive performance of the prepared diaphragm is compared to that of the commercial Zirfon® diaphragm. The results indicate that the prepared composite diaphragm, with a thickness of 140 μm, exhibits excellent performance. Compared to the Zirfon® UTP 220 diaphragm, the ultra-thin composite diaphragm demonstrates a reduction in area resistance from 0.19 Ω cm 2 to 0.1 Ω cm 2 , an increase in bubble point pressure from 2.31 bar to 2.46 bar, and a voltage of 1.84 V at 1000 mA cm −2 . The incorporation of the PPS mesh resulted in a substantial improvement in tensile strength. The application of an ultra-thin composite diaphragm based on PPS mesh can significantly enhance the efficiency of hydrogen production via alkaline water electrolysis.