The application of PEEK materials in hydrogen energy equipment is primarily based on its exceptional chemical corrosion resistance, high temperature and pressure resistance, dimensional stability, low creep, excellent insulation, and sealing properties. It has become a key alternative to metals and traditional sealing materials (such as PTFE), mainly used in core components of Alkaline Water Electrolysis (ALK) and Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzers.
1. Alkaline Water Electrolysis (ALK) Sealing Gaskets
This is one of the core applications of PEEK in the hydrogen energy field. Sealing gaskets are critical components of electrolyzers, responsible for maintaining the seal and insulation of the cells under high temperature, high pressure, and strong alkaline (e.g., KOH solution) environments. Traditional materials (such as reinforced PTFE) suffer from issues like cold flow, high creep, and susceptibility to failure under prolonged high pressure. PEEK sealing gaskets offer:
· Excellent Chemical Corrosion Resistance: Can withstand long-term exposure to corrosive strong alkaline electrolytes.
· Good Resilience and Suitable Compression Ratio: Ensures effective sealing under bolt tightening pressure and can adapt to certain pressure and temperature fluctuations.
· Low Creep and Stress Relaxation Rate: Maintains sealing force under long-term high-pressure (e.g., 175 MPa as mentioned in documents) environments, preventing leakage.
· Low Moisture Absorption and Hydrolysis Resistance: Low water absorption rate (approx. 0.4%), stable performance in high-temperature steam environments, with minimal dimensional change.
· Good Insulation Properties: Prevents internal short circuits in the electrolyzer.
2. Engineering Plastic Electrode Frames
PEEK electrode frames manufactured via injection molding are used to replace traditional metal frames (e.g., titanium), addressing issues like high machining costs, heavy weight, and relatively insufficient electrochemical corrosion resistance of metal frames. Their advantages include:
· Lightweighting: Weight can be reduced by approximately 70% compared to metal frames, contributing to overall electrolyzer weight reduction.
· Excellent Electrochemical Corrosion Resistance: More durable in electrolysis environments.
· Good Insulation and Thermal Stability: Meets the electrical isolation and operating temperature requirements of electrolyzers.
· Ease of Processing and Complex Formability: Injection molding is suitable for mass production of complex frame structures, improving production efficiency.
3. Other Potential and Related Components
· PEM Electrolyzer Components: PEEK is also suitable for PEM electrolyzer electrode frames (specifications such as Φ178*2.3mm).
· Hydrogen Fuel Cell System Components: Including cathode filters, deionizers, fuel cell stack end plates, hydrogen storage tank liners, or valve seals. PEEK's resistance to hydrogen embrittlement, corrosion, and lightweight properties offer application potential here.
· High-Pressure Hydrogen Storage, Transportation, and Refueling Systems: Can be used in valves, seals, pipeline connectors, etc., to withstand high-pressure hydrogen environments.
Summary: By addressing the long-term reliability issues of sealing gaskets and the lightweighting and corrosion resistance needs of electrode frames in alkaline electrolyzers, PEEK materials are becoming key materials for the upgrading and iteration of hydrogen energy equipment, particularly in water electrolysis for hydrogen production, contributing to improved system efficiency, lifespan, and safety.
Dalian Luyang Technology Development Co., Ltd. is a national high-tech enterprise, specializing in the modification and product development of special engineering plastics such as PEEK and PI. In the field of hydrogen energy, the company has successfully developed PEEK sealing gaskets and engineering plastic electrode frames for alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production, and provides related products, dedicated to offering high-performance material solutions for hydrogen energy equipment.
