Enhancing Green Hydrogen Production: Efficient and Cost Effective Electrolysis Technologies with Nickel Based Catalysts

Abstract Green hydrogen is a versatile and sustainable energy with applications in transportation, industry and power generation. Produced via electrolysis, it aims at reducing global emissions significantly. However its widespread adoption is limited by high production costs and infrastructural deficits such as inefficient electrolyzer technologies. This paper explores advancements in electrolytic technologies, increasing green hydrogen's feasibility as a cornerstone of global energy transition. A detailed literature review of existing electrolyzer technologies, Proton Exchange Membrane(PEM), alkaline, and Solid Oxide Electrolyzers(SOEC) was conducted, evaluating their efficiency, scalability, and compatibility with renewable energy inputs based on reported experimental data and performance metrics. This study includes a detailed comparative analysis of electrolyzer technologies, focusing on their energy efficiency, operational costs and hydrogen production rates. Additionally, it incorporates performance testing of nickel-based catalysts to evaluate their electrochemical activity, stability and compatibility with PEM electrolyzers under controlled experimental condition, identifying PEM electrolyzers as the most efficient electrolyzer technology for green hydrogen production and proposing nickel based catalyst as a cost effective alternative to enhance sustainability and reduce production costs. The comparative analysis of electrolyzer technologies revealed that PEM electrolyzers exhibit superior efficiency, achieving energy conversion rates of 70 - 80%, with high hydrogen purity and rapid response to fluctuating renewable energy inputs. These characteristics make PEM electrolyzers highly suitable for scalable and sustainable green hydrogen production. Additionally, experimental and computational analysis of nickel- based catalysts demonstrated excellent electrochemical performance, scalability and cost-effectiveness. The results highlight the potential of nickel-based catalysts as viable alternatives to precious metal catalysts such as Platinum, offering a sustainable and economical approach to improving PEM electrolyzer efficiency and reducing production costs. This research is important to the industry as green hydrogen production presents a pivotal opportunity for the oil and gas industry to align with global decarbonization goals. Green hydrogen offers a cleaner and efficient energy to traditional fossil fuels in various applications, enabling oil and gas firms to reduce carbon emissions, advance decarbonization efforts, and meet environmental sustainability goals and regulatory standards.