Review of pulsed power for efficient hydrogen production

•The case for applying pulsed power to enhance alkaline electrolysis is presented.•The lack of previous research into pulsed electrolysis is highlighted.•Pulsed power topologies are described.•Challenges in applying pulsed power to electrolysis are described and demonstrated.

Pulsed power applied to electrolysis offers a potential method for efficient hydrogen production which has not been comprehensively studied to date. Pulsed and plasma electrolysis are introduced and previous research assessed. Electrolysis use in potential space or aerospace applications is substantially weight and volume sensitive. Pulsed plasma electrolysis is able to far exceed the Faradaic limit on electrolysis at very high surface current densities presenting the opportunity to reduce electrode mass and volume. Pulse generation technology is introduced and challenges inherent in application to electrolysis outlined.