Researchers develop lower-cost technology to support green hydrogen and bioenergy transition
In India, BioEnergy Times reported that researchers in Switzerland and France are working on a new technology aimed at lowering the cost of green hydrogen production.
Scientists from Swiss National Science Foundation-supported projects at Empa are collaborating with French research institutes to develop more affordable materials for electrolyzers, the devices used to produce hydrogen from water using electricity generated from renewable energy sources.
According to the researchers, one of the main reasons for the high cost is the expensive materials required inside electrolyzers, particularly in proton-exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) systems.
PEMWE technology is considered efficient and suitable for renewable energy systems, but the highly corrosive conditions inside the electrolyser create major technical challenges. Researchers explained that ordinary steel quickly corrodes in the acidic environment, while even tiny metal impurities can reduce performance and shorten equipment life.
To overcome this, manufacturers currently use titanium components coated with platinum, both of which are costly and difficult to process. The researchers are also replacing titanium carrier materials with steel, which is cheaper and easier to manufacture.
Category: Research
