Sino-Tech Hydrogen recently completed comprehensive post-disassembly data analysis for its self-developed EHYDRO®PCM500+ composite membrane following a rigorous 5-month evaluation period in a live electrolyzer system, with a cumulative operating time exceeding 1,000 hours. The test, which ran from August 2023, paired the company's membrane with its proprietary EHYDRO®Coral II catalytic electrodes to evaluate real-world durability and structural integrity compared to international benchmark products.
The evaluation confirmed the exceptional structural and mechanical stability of the EHYDRO® PCM500+ under demanding operational conditions. After 1,000 hours, the membrane demonstrated excellent pressure-bearing uniformity, with the relative standard deviation (RSD) of membrane thickness remaining virtually unchanged, which prevents uneven electrical fields and localized overheating. Non-situ pore size testing and consistent gas purity data further verified that the membrane's pore structure resisted both polymer swelling and operational system pressure, showing negligible changes in bubble point pressure.
In terms of electrochemical and mechanical performance, the EHYDRO®PCM500+ demonstrated distinct advantages over traditional alternatives. Both the PCM500+ and the international benchmark showed an areal resistance decrease of approximately 0.05 Ω cm2 due to slight compaction and optimized electrolyte wetting, which led to a beneficial downward trend in cell voltage over time. In contrast, standard PPS mesh separators showed an increasing voltage trend caused by oxidation-induced desulfurization, which was confirmed by trace sulfur detection in the electrolyte analysis.
Post-run mechanical testing also showed that the tensile strength, elongation, and maximum load capacity of the PCM500+ remained intact, with no powder shedding or peeling observed during severe bending, scratching, and stretching tests. These results validate the membrane's superior durability and long-term reliability, paving the way for the official commercial launch of the wide-width (over 2 meters) EHYDRO®PCM500+ composite membrane.
