Hydrogen Production and Water Electrolysis

Hydrogen can be produced by several methods using chemical, electrochemical, catalytic, thermal or biological reactions. The production of electrolytic hydrogen may be able to capitalize on current developments targeting improved energy efficiency and lower cost water electrolysis. This chapter describes the science and technology associated with the various processes for generation of hydrogen from water and specifically electrochemical processes involving the electrolysis of water. Hydrogen has historically been produced from fossil fuels. Hydrogen can be produced using solar energy as the driving force by the photoelectrolysis of water. It can also be produced from water using thermal energy via thermolysis and thermo chemical cycles. Improved photo electrochemical catalysts with the ability to produce hydrogen under visible light irradiation are currently needed with enhanced durability and efficiency and using low cost materials. The use of thermal processes and renewable energy to power electrolysers for hydrogen generation are the next likely routes to hydrogen production.