Corrosion and Protection of Key Materials for Hydrogen Production via Water Electrolysis Using Renewable Energy

摘要

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers are the core technology for hydrogen production via water electrolysis using renewable energy. One of the critical components, the titanium bipolar plate, faces harsh operating conditions during electrolysis, including strong acidity, high voltage, and oxidative atmospheres. Such environments lead to surface corrosion of the titanium bipolar plate, which affects its electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and durability. To enhance the lifespan and performance of titanium bipolar plates, various surface protective coating technologies have been developed, including conductive coatings, anti -corrosion coatings, and comp osite functional coatings. These coating technologies effectively reduce corrosion and improve the electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance of the bipolar plate by forming a dense protective layer on the material surface. This paper reviews the operating environment of titanium bipolar plates in PEM electrolyzers and the corrosion behavior of their key materials, analyzes the protective mechanisms of various surface coating technologies, and discusses their potential applications in improving the efficiency of hydrogen production via water electrolysis.