Hydrogen Energy: Hydrogen Production through Water Electrolysis Technology

Hydrogen energy, a highly efficient and clean alternative to fossil fuels, is produced via electrochemical water splitting through the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, OER's slow kinetics hinder efficiency. This article focuses on two technologies: proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis and alkaline electrolysis. PEM electrolysis, using precious metal catalysts, offers high efficiency but at a high cost. In contrast, alkaline electrolysis employs cost-effective and mature nickel-based catalysts. Seawater electrolysis, abundant in resources, faces chloride competition and corrosion challenges, requiring highly selective OER catalysts. Transition metal-based materials show promise in both acidic and alkaline environments, offering cost reduction potential. Despite its immense potential for energy transition, further breakthroughs are needed to overcome technical barriers for large-scale application of electrochemical water splitting.