Understanding Degradation Pathways in PEM Water Electrolysis

17 October 2025 - Scientists reveal degradation mechanisms in PEM water electrolysis by a correlative electrochemical and nanoanalysis approach. The results were recently published in the journal Energy & Environmental Science.

Researchers at the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nuremberg for Renewable Energies (HI ERN) have taken a major step toward understanding degradation mechanisms in proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE). Using a correlative approach, they quantitatively investigated how PEMWE single cells employing metallic iridium-based anode catalyst layers degrade depending on different operation strategies. By combining electrochemical analysis with advanced electron microscopy techniques, the group of researchers identified key degradation phenomena under four distinct accelerated stress test protocols.

Among the available technologies for green hydrogen production, PEMWE stands out because it combines the ability to follow rapid load changes, a high power density, and compact system design. Nevertheless, a widespread adoption of PEMWE is still limited by challenges concerning long-term durability, which affects its cost competitiveness compared to conventional hydrogen production methods.

These findings obtained by the researchers pave the way for designing operation-specific stress tests and accelerate material development. Beyond PEMWE, the study concept provides a blueprint for degradation investigations in other electrolyzer technologies. The results were recently published in the journal Energy & Environmental Science.

Original Publication

S. Finger, B. Fritsch, M. Wu, L. Lahn, D. Hoffmeister, J. Will, O. Kasian, E. Spiecker, S. Thiele, A. T. S. Freiberg and A. Hutzler, Energy Environ. Sci. (2025).
DOI: 10.1039/D5EE03712C

Contact

Dr.-Ing. Andreas Hutzler

Team leader "Nanoanalysis of Electrochemical Processes"

Building HIERN-Cauerstr /
Room 4009

+49 9131-12538174

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