New breakthrough could make ‘green’ hydrogen cheaper, faster to produce

A Ph.D. candidate, Yukihiro Takahashi, at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) has developed a novel method to improve the production of green hydrogen by controlling nickel growth on electrodes used in alkaline water electrolysis (AWE). Nickel coatings on metal plates serve as catalysts in electrolysers, but conventional electroplating methods often result in uneven coatings, leading to wastage, thicker layers, and higher costs. Takahashi introduced complexing agents that bind nickel ions more evenly and slow excessive deposition, enhancing coating uniformity and durability. This advancement was guided by predictive mathematical modeling that simulates nickel behavior under varying conditions, enabling better control before manufacturing. This breakthrough could significantly reduce the cost and improve the efficiency and reliability of green hydrogen production, which is currently expensive and limited in scale despite its potential as a clean alternative to fossil fuels. By improving manufacturing consistency and reducing material waste, the method promises faster optimization and energy savings. Beyond hydrogen electrolysers, the