Can CO₂ contamination negatively affect the lifetime of the electrolyser?

CO2 contamination in the air is not a problem for the electrolyser, as the system design avoids potential interaction with the surrounding air. However, CO2 in the electrolyte (e.g. by refilling with carbonised water) reduces the pH value and requires a more frequent electrolyte exchange. When maintained regularly (exchanging the electrolyte), this is reversible and does not contribute to explicit degradation of the electrochemical system.