As green hydrogen emerges as a key next-generation clean energy source, securing technologies that enable its stable and cost-effective production has become a critical challenge. However, conventional water electrolysis technologies face limitations in large-scale deployment due to high system costs and operational burdens. In particular, long-term operation often leads to performance degradation and increased maintenance costs, hindering commercialization. As a result, there is growing demand for new electrolysis technologies that can simultaneously improve efficiency, stability, and cost competitiveness.
A research team led by Dr. Dirk Henkensmeier at the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Research Center of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) has developed a novel membrane material for water electrolysis that operates stably and has significantly higher conductivity under low alkalinity conditions than existing systems. The newly developed membrane maintains high hydrogen production performance even in low-concentration alkaline environments, providing a technological foundation for low-alkalinity water electrolysis.
The membrane was designed to avoid structural features that typically lead to performance degradation during prolonged operation, while enabling stable uptake and retention of the electrolyte. Experimental results demonstrated that the membrane maintained its electrochemical performance over extended periods, even at elevated temperatures, and effectively separated hydrogen and oxygen, satisfying safety requirements. Moreover, efficient ion transport was achieved under relatively low-alkalinity conditions, resulting in higher hydrogen production performance compared to conventional commercial membranes. This indicates improved system efficiency and reduced operational burden.
Notably, the membrane enables the use of low-cost catalysts and supports stable ion conduction at low alkalinity, allowing electrolyzers to operate at lower cell voltages. This leads to a reduction in electricity consumption, which accounts for a substantial portion of overall electrolysis costs. In addition, the extended membrane lifetime reduces replacement frequency and maintenance demands. Together, these advantages contribute to lowering both capital and operating expenditures, thereby improving the overall economic feasibility of green hydrogen production.
The newly developed technology is based on a low-alkalinity ion-solvating membrane water electrolysis (LA-ISMWE) concept, in which a single membrane can be applied across various electrolysis systems. This flexibility enhances system operability while contributing to further cost reductions in green hydrogen production. Given that the global market for core electrolysis membrane materials is currently dominated by companies in the United States, Canada, and Europe, this achievement is expected to enable the localization of key materials and generate import substitution effects. Furthermore, it establishes a foundation for exporting electrolysis technologies to hydrogen-producing countries, thereby enhancing Korea’s technological competitiveness and industrial standing in the global green hydrogen sector.
Dr. Henkensmeier of KIST stated, “Until now, water electrolysis technologies have faced inherent trade-offs between performance, stability, and cost. This study presents a direction for improving all three aspects simultaneously.” He added, “We hope this technology will contribute to lowering green hydrogen production costs and strengthening Korea’s competitiveness in water electrolysis technologies.”