Hydrogen Production via Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolysis

Proton exchange membrane electrolysis offers a high-purity route to hydrogen production by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using an electrochemical cell. A thin polymer electrolyte membrane serves as both electrolyte and separator, enabling low internal resistance and operation at high current densities. Catalyst layers comprising platinum-group metals facilitate the hydrogen evolution reaction at the cathode and the oxygen evolution reaction at the anode. Porous transport layers and gas diffusion layers ensure efficient reactant distribution, product removal and ionic conduction. The system operates under acidic conditions, allowing compact stack design and compatibility with renewable electricity sources, but faces challenges in reducing reliance on scarce catalysts and improving long-term durability. Advances in materials, interface engineering and cell architecture continue to drive down costs and enhance performance, positioning PEM electrolysis as a keystone technology for decarbonised energy systems, grid balancing and sustainable industrial processes.

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Hydrogen Production via Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolysis publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in hydrogen production via proton exchange membrane electrolysis across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Proton exchange membrane (PEM): A solid polymer electrolyte that conducts protons while acting as a barrier to gases, enabling efficient water electrolysis.

Membrane electrode assembly (MEA): The core of a PEM electrolyser, comprising the membrane, catalyst layers and porous transport layers, where electrochemical reactions occur.

Catalyst layer (CL): A thin coating of catalytic material on either side of the membrane that facilitates the hydrogen evolution reaction at the cathode and the oxygen evolution reaction at the anode.

Porous transport layer (PTL): A conductive, porous structure that supports the catalyst layer, distributes water and removes gas products, affecting mass transport and cell performance.

Current density: The electrical current per unit electrode area (A cm⁻²), a key parameter determining hydrogen production rate and cell efficiency.

Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER): The electrochemical reaction at the cathode where protons gain electrons to form hydrogen gas.

Oxygen evolution reaction (OER): The electrochemical reaction at the anode where water molecules lose electrons to generate oxygen gas and protons.

References

1. Electrochemically Grown Ultrathin Platinum Nanosheet Electrodes with Ultralow Loadings for Energy-Saving and Industrial-Level Hydrogen Evolution. Nano-Micro Letters (2023).
2. Fabrication of self‐supported catalysts via electrodeposition for proton exchange membrane water electrolysis: Emphasizing on the porous transport layers. EcoEnergy (2024).
3. Influence of renewable energy power fluctuations on water electrolysis for green hydrogen production. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy (2023).