Perspectives on Low-Temperature Electrolysis and Potential for Renewable Hydrogen at Scale

Abstract

Hydrogen is an important part of any discussion on sustainability and reduction in emissions across major energy sectors. In addition to being a feedstock and process gas for many industrial processes, hydrogen is emerging as a fuel alternative for transportation applications. Renewable sources of hydrogen are therefore required to increase in capacity. Low-temperature electrolysis of water is currently the most mature method for carbon-free hydrogen generation and is reaching relevant scales to impact the energy landscape. However, costs still need to be reduced to be economical with traditional hydrogen sources. Operating cost reductions are enabled by the recent availability of low-cost sources of renewable energy, and the potential exists for a large reduction in capital cost withmaterial and manufacturing optimization. This article focuses on the current status and development needs by component for the low-temperature electrolysis options.

Electrolyte Effects on the Electrocatalytic Performance of Iridium‐Based Nanoparticles for Oxygen Evolution in Rotating Disc Electrodes

“…In acidic media, finding active and stable OER catalysts is challenging due to the low pH environment and high potentials during operation . Thus far, only Ir‐based materials show reasonably high activity and stability towards the OER in acid .…”

“…The need to understand the thermodynamics and kinetics of the OER is of high relevance for the development of sustainable and efficient energy technologies. For instance, proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysers operated under acidic conditions are promising water splitting devices . They can operate at high current densities, low temperature, present lower ohmic losses and a more mature membrane technology than alkaline anion exchange membrane electrolysers .…”

“…They can operate at high current densities, low temperature, present lower ohmic losses and a more mature membrane technology than alkaline anion exchange membrane electrolysers . However, the energy efficiency of a PEM electrolyser is largely affected by the sluggish kinetics of the OER . Thus, numerous studies have aimed and still aspire to find more efficient OER catalysts …”

“…For instance, proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysers operated under acidic conditions are promising water splitting devices. [9] They can operate at high current densities, [10] low temperature, present lower ohmic losses and a more mature membrane technology than alkaline anion exchange membrane electrolysers. [11] However, the energy efficiency of a PEM electrolyser is largely affected by the sluggish kinetics of the OER.…”

Synthesis of Iridium Nanocatalysts for Water Oxidation in Acid: Effect of the Surfactant

“…They can operate at high current densities, present lower ohmic losses and a more mature membrane technology than alkaline anion exchange membrane electrolysers . However, developing catalysts that resist the harsh acidic and oxidising conditions in PEM electrolysers remains a major challenge at the anode side, where the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) takes place . The OER causes significant energy losses in PEM electrolysers .…”