Main Trends and Research Directions in Hydrogen Generation Using Low Temperature Electrolysis: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Hydrogen (H2) is the most abundant element in the universe and it is also a neutral energy carrier, meaning the environmental effects of using it are strictly related to the effects of creating the means of producing of that amount of Hydrogen. So far, the H2 generation by water electrolysis research field did not manage to break the efficiency barrier in order to consider H2 production as a technology that sustains financially its self-development. However, given the complexity of this technology and the overall environmental impacts, an up-to-date research and development status review is critical. Thus, this study aims to identify the main trends, achievements and research directions of the H2 generation using pure and alkaline water electrolysis, providing a review of the state of the art in the specific literature. Methods: In order to deliver this, a Systematic Literature Review was carried out, using PRISMA methodology, highlighting the research trends and results in peer review publish articles over more than two years (2020–2022). Findings: This review identifies niches and actual status of the H2 generation by water and alkaline water electrolysis and points out, in numbers, the boundaries of the 2020–2022 timeline research.

Keywords

• hydrogen generation
• hydrogen production
• hydrogen electrolysis
• PEM
• AEM
• exchange membrane