The development of separation method of radioactive tritium is imperative for treating tritiumcontaminated water originating from nuclear facilities. Polymer electrolyte membrane electrolysis technology represents a promising alternative to conventional alkaline electrolysis for tritium enrichment. Nevertheless, there has been limited research conducted thus far on the composition of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) specifically optimized for tritium separation, as well as the methods used for their fabrication. In this study, we conducted an investigation aimed at optimizing MEAs specifically tailored for tritium separation. Our approach involved the systematic variation of MEA components, including the anode, cathode, porous transport layer, and electrode formation method. The water electrolysis efficiency and the H/D separation factor in deuterated water (1%) were evaluated with respect to both the preparation method and the composition of the MEA. To assess the long-term stability of the MEAs, changes in cell voltage, resistance, and the active electrode area were analyzed using impedance analysis and cyclic voltammetry. Furthermore, we examined H/D separation factor both before and after degradation. The results showed that MEAs with different anode/cathode configurations and electrode formation methods improved the electrolysis efficiency compared to commercial MEAs. In addition, the degree of change in the resistance value was also different depending on the electrode formation method, indicating that the electrode formation method has a significant impact on the stability of the electrolysis system. Therefore, the study showed that the efficiency and long-term stability of the water electrolzer can be improved by optimizing the MEA fabrication method.

Hydrogen isotope separation involves the separation of hydrogen, deuterium, tritium, and their isotopologues. It is an essential technology for removing radioactive tritium contamination and for obtaining valuable hydrogen isotope resources. Among various hydrogen isotope separation technologies, water electrolysis technology exhibits a high separation factor. Consequently, the electrolysis of tritiated water is of paramount importance as a tritium enrichment method for treating tritium-contaminated water and for analyzing tritium in environmental samples. More recently, hydroelectrolysis technology, which utilizes proton exchange membranes (PEM) to reduce water inventory, has gained favor over traditional alkaline hydroelectrolysis. Nevertheless, it is crucial to decrease the hydrogen permeability of the PEM in order to mitigate the explosion risk associated with tritium hydrogen electrolysis devices. Additionally, efforts are needed to enhance the hydrogen isotope selectivity of the PEM and optimize the manufacturing process of the membrane-electrode assembly (MEA), thereby improving both hydrogen isotope separation performance and water electrolysis efficiency. In this presentation, we will delve into two key aspects. Firstly, we’ll explore the reduction of hydrogen permeability and the enhancement of the hydrogen isotope separation factor in PEM through the incorporation of 2D nanomaterial additives. Secondly, we’ll examine the influence of various MEAs preparation methods on electrolysis and isotope separation performances. Lastly, we will discuss the effectiveness of the developed system in separating deuterium and tritium.

이산화탄소 전환 기술은 이산화탄소를 원료로 유용한 화합물을 생산하는 기술로서 지속적인 탄소원의 활용 및 고부가 가치의 화합물 생산을 통한 이익 창출이 가능하다. 다양한 이산화탄소 전환 기술 중에서도 전기 에너지를 이용한 이산화탄소 전환 기술은 유용 화합물 생산 외에도 신재생에너지 저장 기술로 활용할 수 있어서 최근 그 중요성이 부각되고 있다. 그러나 열역학적으로 안정한 이산화탄소의 환원 반응은 많은 에너지를 필요로 하므로 기술의 경제성 확보 및 실질적인 탄소 중립을 구현하기 위해서는 생성물에 대한 높은 선택성을 가지는 촉매 개발 및 효율적인 반응 시스템 개발이 필수적이다. 본 연구에서는 고분자 전해질 막을 이용하여 전기화학적 이산화탄소 전환을 통해 개미산염을 제조하였다.