LG Chem Develops Water Electrolysis Electrode with Reduced Iridium Use

LG Chem has developed a low-iridium electrode for proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis, targeting cost and durability challenges in the technology. By reducing high-cost rare metal usage, the electrode extends lifespan and enhances the economic viability of green hydrogen production. The company announced on June 26 that its new PEM electrolysis electrode technology enables stable hydrogen production using minimal iridium catalysts. Joint research with the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) was published in the journal Nature Communications on June 21. PEM electrolysis splits water into hydrogen using renewable energy, offering high production efficiency but facing commercialization hurdles due to reliance on expensive iridium catalysts. LG Chem's interfacial stabilization technology applies atomic-layer coatings to iridium surfaces, reducing catalyst oxidation and enhancing bonding between ion-conductive polymers and catalysts for structural stability. The company claims this reduces iridium usage by over 50% while doubling hydrogen production time under high-current density conditions, potentially lowering system capital and maintenance costs. LG Chem has completed large-scale electrode manufacturing and performance validation, currently evaluating products with global electrolysis system providers and plans to pursue commercialization.