Green hydrogen generation: A cross-disciplinary challenge rooted in electrochemistry
22 nov. 2021
Article
Partager l'article
Green hydrogen, produced from water electrolysis using renewable energy sources, is being explored as a strategy to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and decarbonize chemical processes. From an environmental standpoint, this approach is extremely attractive given that mild conditions are used during electrolysis and there are no greenhouse gases produced when using the hydrogen in a fuel cell.
However, the economics of electrolysis and fuel cell systems for energy conversion relies heavily on the costs of electricity and of metals like nickel, platinum, iridium, and titanium. Electrolyzer operating expenses must be minimized for green hydrogen to become an economically viable option. The electricity input contributes heavily to cost. Thus, decreasing the cost of renewable energy is a necessary step. Solar panels becoming more efficient and affordable within the past decades is cause for optimism in this regard [1], but there is much more that can be done to increase the success of green hydrogen. More efficient electrolyzers could make better use of the input electricity and the development of cheaper and more durable components can reduce both the capital and operational costs.
Check out our other blog articles about green hydrogen and decarbonization of chemical processes below!
Green hydrogen, future fuel: Using potentiostats to develop new catalysts for hydrogen production
Cross-disciplinary interest in green hydrogen
Electrolyzers are primarily electrochemical devices with electrocatalysts responsible for water splitting (Figure 1). The scientific challenges related to optimizing electrolyzers are attracting the attention of researchers that are not traditionally trained in electrochemistry. The search for efficient HER (Hydrogen Evolution Reaction) and OER (Oxygen Evolution Reaction) electrocatalysts also piques the interest of inorganic chemists and physicists. Development of better membranes calls for expertise in organic and polymer chemistry. Optimization of catalyst inks and their interaction with substrates requires the know-how of a materials scientist. Heat and mass flow management within the fuel cell stack and balance of plant are engineering endeavors. Clearly, the ongoing development of green hydrogen technologies has encouraged the collaboration of scientists and engineers across many disciplines. The result is an influx of creativity and insight, as well as development of exciting new materials and techniques.
