Shinkai GDL(Gas Diffusion Layer) — Hydrogen Production by Water Electrolysis

With the rapid expansion of modern industry, the challenges of energy crisis and environmental pollution has become increasingly urgent, therefor developing and promoting green and clean energy has emerged as an inevitable trend to achieve sustainable development.  Hydrogen energy, characterised by its high energy density, renewability and pollution-free nature, represents an ideal clean source. One of the key factors limiting the development of the hydrogen energy industry is the challenge of obtaining large quantities of pure hydrogen.

Currently, the primary sources of hydrogen are fossil fuels and water electrolysis. Hydrogen production from fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas results in environmental pollution and contradicts the principles of clean energy. In contrast, combining renewable energy power generation with water electrolysis for hydrogen production offers advantages such as a simplified process flow and high hydrogen purity, making it an ideal hydrogen production technology that has been implemented industrially.

As one of the key components of a whole water electrolysis system, the efficiency of the electrolyzer directly determines the efficiency and energy consumption of the entire system. The GDL, as one of the important mass transfer units in electrolyzers, play a role in gas and water redistribution. Due to the high electrolytic conductivity and mechanical strength, metal GDL is widely concerned, among which Titanium and Nickel are most common. At present, the optimization of GDL mainly focuses on the pore structure. Large pores can promote gas discharge but reduce electron transport efficiency, while small spores will hinder gas discharge and increase mass transfer resistance. Therefore, the pore structure determines the performance of GDL and further affects the efficiency of the electrolyzer.

Through extensive research and testing, Shinkai has developed a Shinkai GDL for water electrolysis using metal powder as raw material without adding adhesive. This material is produced by forming under isostatic cool pressuring or axial pressuring and then sintering with a high-temperature vacuum. This GDL, as Titanium or Nickel porous metal sheet, can adjust the size and distribution of the pores by choosing the size and process parameters of metal powder particles, and meet the parameter requirements in water electrolysis for hydrogen production, offering benefits such as high aperture accuracy, robust mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, high porosity, and excellent permeability. These features enhance gas transport, reduce mass transfer resistance, and improve electron transport efficiency. Presently, this technology has been successfully applied in various water electrolysis for hydrogen production facilities, with parameters like aperture, mechanical strength, and porosity fully meeting design specifications, ensuring efficient, continuous, and stable operation of the electrolytic hydrogen production process.

If you have any questions about Shinkai GDL for hydrogen production by water electrolysis, feel free to contact our application department, or fill the datasheet and forward to us for further designing.