Hydrogen production by alkaline water electrolysis

TLDR

Water electrolysis is a simple, renewable‑energy‑driven method for hydrogen production, with a historical evolution that compares technologies and identifies key research needs. The study aims to expand water electrolysis by reducing energy use, cost, and maintenance while improving efficiency, durability, and safety. The article explains alkaline water electrolysis fundamentals and analyzes key electrical, reaction, and transport constraints. The study investigates modern technologies for hydrogen production by water electrolysis.

Abstract

Water electrolysis is one of the simplest methods used for hydrogen production. It has the advantage of being able to produce hydrogen using only renewable energy. To expand the use of water electrolysis, it is mandatory to reduce energy consumption, cost, and maintenance of current electrolyzers, and, on the other hand, to increase their efficiency, durability, and safety. In this study, modern technologies for hydrogen production by water electrolysis have been investigated. In this article, the electrochemical fundamentals of alkaline water electrolysis are explained and the main process constraints (e.g., electrical, reaction, and transport) are analyzed. The historical background of water electrolysis is described, different technologies are compared, and main research needs for the development of water electrolysis technologies are discussed.