SLH Resistant Iron Cathodes: Boosting Efficiency in Green Hydrogen Production

Green hydrogen—produced using renewable energy—has the potential to decarbonize heavy industry and transportation. But the electrolyzers that make green hydrogen are only as efficient as their components, and the cathode is one of the most critical. SLH Resistant Iron Cathodes have become a key component in high-efficiency electrolyzers, delivering long life, low corrosion, and high performance.

Electrolyzers split water into hydrogen and oxygen using an electric current, and the cathode is where hydrogen gas is produced. The cathode is exposed to a corrosive electrolyte (either alkaline or proton exchange membrane/PEM) and high current, which can degrade standard iron cathodes quickly. SLH Resistant Iron Cathodes are made from 99.95% pure iron, with a specialized coating that resists corrosion and reduces hydrogen evolution overvoltage (the energy needed to produce hydrogen).

In alkaline electrolyzers (the most common type for green hydrogen), SLH Resistant Iron Cathodes have a corrosion rate of just 0.02 mm/year—5x lower than standard iron cathodes (0.1 mm/year). A green hydrogen producer in Australia used SLH cathodes in their 10MW electrolyzer and found that the cathodes lasted 5 years, compared to 2 years for standard cathodes. This cut replacement costs by 60% and eliminated downtime for cathode swaps.

SLH’s cathodes also improve electrolyzer efficiency. The coating on SLH Resistant Iron Cathodes reduces hydrogen evolution overvoltage to 0.15V, compared to 0.3V for standard cathodes. This lower overvoltage means less energy is needed to produce hydrogen. The Australian producer measured a 7% increase in electrolyzer efficiency, from 71% to 78%. For a 10MW electrolyzer, this translates to 700kW more usable power—enough to produce an extra 63 kg of hydrogen per day.

For PEM electrolyzers (used in high-pressure applications), SLH offers a platinum-coated Resistant Iron Cathode. The platinum coating enhances conductivity and further reduces corrosion, making the cathode suitable for the acidic PEM environment. A German hydrogen producer used these cathodes in their 5MW PEM electrolyzer and reported a 9% efficiency increase, as well as a 4-year cathode lifespan.

Cost is another advantage. SLH Resistant Iron Cathodes cost 30% more upfront than standard cathodes, but their longer life and higher efficiency deliver a payback period of just 6 months. The Australian producer calculated that over 5 years, using SLH cathodes saved them $1.8 million in energy and replacement costs.

As the green hydrogen industry grows, the demand for efficient, durable electrolyzers will skyrocket. SLH Resistant Iron Cathodes deliver the performance and cost savings needed to make green hydrogen competitive with fossil fuels—helping to build a more sustainable future.