[SMM Analysis] Analysis of the Application and Challenges of Membrane Materials in the Hydrogen Industry

In the hydrogen energy industry, diaphragms, as one of the core components of electrolyzers, play a crucial role. Different types of electrolyzers use different diaphragm materials, and the choice of these materials not only affects the performance and cost of the electrolyzers but also determines the economic viability and feasibility of the entire green hydrogen project. This article focuses on analyzing the current applications, challenges, and future development trends of PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) diaphragms and PSF (perfluorosulfonic acid) membranes in alkaline electrolyzers and PEM (proton exchange membrane) electrolyzers.

Applications and Challenges of PPS Diaphragms in Alkaline Electrolyzers

PPS diaphragms, due to their excellent alkali resistance, chemical stability, and mechanical strength, have become widely used diaphragm materials in alkaline electrolyzers. Statistics show that PPS diaphragms account for 10% to 13% of the total cost of alkaline electrolyzers, and over 95% of current green hydrogen projects adopt this type of diaphragm. The cost of producing an alkaline electrolyzer with a capacity of 1,000 Nm³/h is approximately 4.5 million yuan, of which the diaphragm cost is about 500,000 yuan.

However, the production of PPS diaphragms is not an easy task. In the market, Japan's Toray leads the field, with its product quality and technical level widely recognized. In contrast, only 5 to 10 domestic companies can provide PPS diaphragm products, and some of these companies have limited actual user feedback. The top three players in the industry include Japan's Toray, Tianjin Tianlun, and Tianjin Kairui. Although Zhejiang Zhengben is also involved, its competitiveness is relatively weaker. Beijing Tanneng claims to produce PPS diaphragms, but its products mainly target composite diaphragms, which differ significantly from traditional PPS diaphragms in terms of technology and are still in the market testing phase, not yet available for large-scale market entry.

In PPS diaphragm production, ensuring safety, improving energy efficiency, and extending lifespan are the main challenges. Additionally, due to the slowdown in shipments and tenders for alkaline electrolyzers, the delivery volume of PPS diaphragms is expected to decline in 2024, estimated at around 30,000 m². It is worth noting that an alkaline electrolyzer with a capacity of 1,000 Nm³/h typically requires 1,300 to 1,500 m² of diaphragms, but the increase in hydrogen production does not always linearly increase diaphragm usage, as it depends on the structural design of the electrolyzer.

In terms of delivery, diaphragm manufacturers usually maintain an inventory of 1.1 to 1.2 times the production volume to adapt to order-driven production methods. Upstream resin and fiber producers maintain slightly higher inventories, at 1 to 1.5 times, to ensure the stability of the supply chain.

Applications and Development of PSF Membranes in PEM Electrolyzers

Unlike PPS diaphragms, PSF membranes are primarily used in PEM electrolyzers, forming the core membrane electrode cost of PEM. Along with electrodes and precious metal catalysts, PSF membranes bear the main expenses, and their performance directly affects the efficiency and lifespan of PEM electrolyzers. Currently, Dongyue Future performs well in the domestic market, with its PSF membrane products widely applied in PEM electrolyzers.

Compared to alkaline electrolyzers, PEM electrolyzers offer higher energy efficiency and a smaller footprint, but their costs are relatively higher. With continuous technological advancements and gradual cost reductions, the application prospects of PEM electrolyzers in green hydrogen projects are becoming increasingly promising. Therefore, as one of the key materials for PEM electrolyzers, the market demand for PSF membranes is expected to continue growing.

Development Opportunities in the New Materials Field

In addition to hydrogen energy diaphragms, some new material fields are also continuously developing, such as semiconductors or specialty materials used in batteries and other applications. The development of these new materials has been driven by new policies from the Ministry of Emergency Management, particularly achieving significant progress in fire-resistant, acid-resistant, and alkali-resistant materials. The emergence and application of these new materials not only enrich the product range of the hydrogen energy industry chain but also provide more possibilities and choices for the development of the hydrogen energy industry.

Conclusion and Outlook

In summary, PPS diaphragms and PSF membranes hold significant application value and market prospects in the hydrogen energy industry. However, the production of PPS diaphragms still faces many challenges, requiring continuous improvement in product quality and technical levels to meet market demands. Meanwhile, with the continuous advancement of PEM electrolyzer technology and cost reductions, the market demand for PSF membranes is also expected to grow steadily. Additionally, the development of new material fields brings more opportunities and challenges to the hydrogen energy industry. In the future, with the continuous development of the hydrogen energy industry and technological progress, we have reason to believe that these diaphragm materials will play an even more important role in the hydrogen energy industry.

Written by: SMM Hydrogen Energy Analyst Xin Shi—13515219405 (WeChat available). If you are also interested in hydrogen energy, feel free to contact me and join me in following the future development of hydrogen energy!