The effects of magnetic fields on the electrochemical and molecular dynamics during water electrolysis

Due to hydrogen’s functional versatility within a diverse range of energy and industrial applications, renewable hydrogen presents an excellent opportunity to enhance the sustainability of anthropogenic activities. This research demonstrates the capacity magnetic fields have to increase the efficiency of hydrogen production and exhibits the influences magnetic fields have on water’s molecular dynamics. The results indicate that a magnetic field can increase electrolysis efficiency by up to 7.6 % when applied with a bar magnet and up to 21 % when applied with a Helmholtz coil, and can also facilitate higher hydrogen production rates with higher power inputs without compromising the efficiency. The results also indicate that enhanced electrolyser function is due to the magnetic field increasing water’s molecular energy. This study highlights the potential that the application of magnetic fields has to increase electrolyser efficiency while forming a foundation for future research into optimising water’s molecular dynamics to enhance electrolysis efficiency. • Increasing efficiency of hydrogen production with linear magnetic fields. • Magnetic fields increase the molecular energy of H 2 O during electrolysis. • Magnetic fields enhance load adaptability. • Electrolysis efficiency is enhanced as water’s molecular energy increases.