Polysulfone and zirconia composite separators for alkaline water electrolysis

The novel composite separators composed of polysulfone and zirconia were prepared by phase inversion precipitation technique. This technique allows pre-evaporation time and extraction temperature to be varied in order to obtain optimal performances of the separators. In order to evaluate practical applicability of those composite separators, a small-scale electrolysis experimental apparatus was used to investigate the changes of cell voltage, gas purity and separator stability. The results revealed a decreased cell voltage compared to the conventional asbestos separators, and the gas purity and separator stability met the requirements for industrial use.