The first method ever discovered is Alkaline electrolysis.

As its name indicates, the

electrolysis is driven by the transfer of hydroxide (OH-) ions. It was developed around
the 1890s and became a mature technology. The reaction equations are shown in
this table as well as the figure. What’s special in this method is a tool called the
diaphragm. It only allows hydroxide ions to pass through while blocking others.
Therefore, hydroxide ions produced on the cathode side move to the anode side and
the process repeats. The reaction would eventually stop when hydroxide ions are all
consumed. In terms of advantages, this method is not costly since the liquid
electrocatalyst, Nickel, is not very expensive. In addition, it can sustain over a long
period, a maximum of 20 years according to research. However, the high
concentration of hydroxide ions corrodes the electrode.

The third method is solid oxide electrolysis. It is developed in the 1970s and some
believe that it is our future. Firstly, on the anode side, the electrolyte, oxygen (O2-)
ions undergo oxidation to produce oxygen gas and electrons. The electrons flow
through the external circuit and merge with steam molecules on the cathode side.
Then, they undergo reduction to produce oxygen gas and oxygen ions. The oxygen
ions pass through the solid ceramic membrane to the anode side and the process
repeats. This method is good as we can get rid of the expensive catalyst. But the
systems need to be at about 600-700 degrees Celsius can be both boon and bane at
the same time. It would be efficient because of the high operating temperature. On
the other side, it may be difficult to maintain that high temperature.

After talking about how green hydrogen is produced, let’s take a look at its
applications.

One of the applications is fuel cells. It is used to convert chemical energy to electrical
energy, a device opposite to batteries. Hydrogen gas is often used as fuel and is
injected into the anode side to form hydrogen (H+) ions and electrons. There will be
a current as the electrons go through the circuit. Then, the motor would convert the
electrical energy to kinetic energy using the principle of electromagnetism.