Next-Generation Electrolysis for Hydrogen Production: Mastering the Latest Technology

Hydrogen production via water electrolysis is a key technology for carbon neutrality, supplying hydrogen for industrial use, transportation, and power generation. Among various electrolysis methods, the Proton-Conducting Solid Oxide Electrolyzer (P-SOEL) stands out for its high efficiency and cost reduction potential, making it a next-generation hydrogen production technology poised to become the future mainstream.

Professor Chung-Jen Tseng and his research team at National Central University’s (NCU) Institute of Energy Engineering have successfully developed a high-performance, stable P-SOEL electrolyzer that meets international standards while achieving near-zero carbon emissions—a major step toward commercialization.

Identifying the Best Materials for P-SOEL Systems

According to Prof. Tseng, Solid Oxide Electrolysis (SOEL) offers the highest conversion efficiency among water electrolysis technologies. Currently, the dominant oxygen-ion-conducting SOEL (O-SOEL) operates at 800°C, which leads to high material costs due to the need for expensive ceramics.

However, the P-SOEL system developed by Tseng’s team operates at a lower 500–600°C, allowing for cheaper stainless steel components instead of costly ceramics. This reduces costs and enhances the feasibility of next-generation hydrogen production.

Tseng’s research team, which includes scholars from NCU, NTUT (Taipei Tech), Yuan Ze University, and Feng Chia University, has been working on solid oxide technologies for over 12 years. They have now:
✅ Identified optimal materials for the P-SOEL system
✅ Developed a 25 cm² planar half-cell
✅ Constructed a fuel cell system based on this technology

Scaling Up for Commercial Applications

To move toward commercialization, the next phase of the project will involve:
🔹 Scaling up to a 100 kW-class system
🔹 Optimizing energy consumption to achieve over 70% efficiency
🔹 Collaborating with industrial processes for real-world applications

The team is also expanding global hydrogen research collaborations with Germany, Malaysia, and Poland, aiming to accelerate hydrogen energy advancements and applications worldwide. 🚀