Methods for Enhancing Electrolysis for Hydrogen Production: The Benefits of Applying Magnetic Fields

Abstract

The electrolysis of water is one of the most promising ways of producing green hydrogen. This produces hydrogen using electricity and does not generate additional carbon dioxide like the more conventional reforming of fossil fuels. However, making electrolysis competitive with conventional methods for hydrogen production is a challenge because of the cost of electricity and because of inefficiencies and costs in electrolysis systems. Initially this review looks at the basic design of water electrolysis and asks where energy is lost. Then, a selection of the latest results in the area of magnetic field-enhanced water electrolysis are examined and discussed, in particular focusing on the empirical results of magnetic field-assisted electrolysis with the aim of comparing findings and identifying limitations of current studies such that recommendations can be made for advanced design of hydrogen producing electrolysis systems.