Advanced Water Electrolysis Technologies for Green Hydrogen Production

Water electrolysis is an electrochemical process of water splitting into gaseous hydrogen and oxygen. The renewable energy grid integrated water electrolysis system makes green hydrogen production feasible in an eco-friendly and sustainable way. The renewable energy storage into the form of hydrogen via water electrolysis is a key technology in next-generation energy carrier and conversion. There are mainly three types of water electrolysis technologies; alkaline water electrolysis, polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis, and solid oxide electrolysis. Alkaline water electrolysis is the most mature technology that has been installed at a commercial level due to its high energy conversion efficiency and reliable performance. Polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysis can be implemented in a compact system and operate at higher current density with quick response to renewable electricity. Solid oxide electrolysis operates at high temperature with less electrical energy consumption.

The ultimate goal of water electrolysis technologies is to produce green hydrogen reliably at a cheap price from intermittent and fluctuating renewable energy sources. In this context, this Research Topic aims at establishing advanced water electrolysis technologies that can ensure high efficiency and high stability. Exploring well-performing and durable materials that make up the water electrolysis cells will be the first major subject. And, the water electrolysis system should directly cope with frequent on/off dynamic power profiles which limit materials selection and cause safety issues. Further research work should be devoted to developing a highly efficient, stable, and safe water electrolysis system under dynamic power operation. In addition to developing the water electrolysis core materials and system, fundamental science and technology research works based on theoretical and experimental analyses are required to be also accompanied.

This research topic will focus on all experimental and theoretical aspects of electrolysis including electrochemical, chemical, and physical characterization. Specific topics will include electrode materials with hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction, electrode fabrication, electrode structure, membrane, membrane electrode assembly, ionomer, electrolyte, conductivity enhancer, current collector, cell, and stack. This topic also covers recent electrolysis technologies, i.e., anion exchange membrane electrolysis and extends to static power applications.
• Development of highly active and stable electrodes for hydrogen evolution and oxygen evolution
• Development of robust water electrolysis membranes with high selectivity and high durability
• Design of well-tuned electrolysis cell and stack architecture
• Novel materials and cell configurations

Keywords: Water Electrolysis, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Electrodes, Electrolysis Membranes, Green

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