Life Cycle Assessment of NiFeP electrodes: a case study

Global hydrogen production increased by 2.5% in 2023, reaching 97 Mt, but the sector is still largely dependent on fossil fuels. Projections indicate a significant rise in green hydrogen production to 49 Mt by 2030. This increase is considered fundamental for achieving the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global temperature rise. Alkaline electrolysers, while less efficient than Proton Exchange Membrane electrolysers, are currently the most commercially mature technology for hydrogen production. To improve the efficiency of alkaline cells, recent research has focused on the development of electrodes using nanostructured materials. Specifically, this study aims to evaluate the life cycle energy and environmental impact of experimental NiFeP nanowire electrodes for alkaline electrolysers. Additionally, the analysis assesses the environmental impact resulting from varying sodium hypophosphite concentrations during electrode fabrication. The results show minimal differences (< 0.4%) for all impact categories. This study also identifies critical hot spots within the system providing valuable insights for reducing the environmental footprint of hydrogen production technologies at laboratory scale. Optimizing electrode production from the preliminary stages of design, is crucial for enhancing the sustainability of electrolysers, supporting the transition toward renewable energy systems and net-zero emissions by 2050.