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This study presents a bibliometric review focusing on the utilization of water electrolysis as a means of generating hydrogen as an energy carrier. The analysis includes research conducted over the past decade, covering from 2014 to 2023 (till August). Several key aspects are highlighted, including publication trends, the leading country in research output, journal rankings, and a citation analysis of papers related to water electrolysis. The findings reveal a notable increase in publication trends, with China emerging as the leading contributor in this research area. Furthermore, the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy is identified as the highest-ranked journal in terms of both publication number and citation impact. Additionally, the top ten most cited research articles and review papers are investigated to determine their influence within the field. To gain a deeper understanding of water electrolysis methods, the three primary approaches: alkaline water electrolysis (AWE), proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis, and solid oxide electrolysis (SOE) is examined. The analysis emphasizes that PEM electrolysis is the most prevalent method for hydrogen generation, particularly when integrated with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power due to its rapid response to electrical input fluctuation. Finally, the challenges and future directions of water electrolysis in hydrogen production are highlighted, including an exploration of economic and environmental considerations at large scale, offering insights into the path forward for advancing this technology sustainably. • A comprehensive bibliometric analysis of water electrolysis for hydrogen production. • Publication trends, journal rankings, and citation analysis are highlighted. • China is identified as the leading contributor in water electrolysis publications. • International Journal of Hydrogen Energy: the highest-ranked journal in this field. • Specific electrolysis methods, including AWE, PEM, and SOE are examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the keys to the implementation of hydrogen energy technology is the production of hydrogen. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of patents related to hydrogen production from the years 2013–2022. Using the Derwent World Patents Index (DWPI), the study includes bibliometric analysis, technology evaluation, and technology updates in the field of hydrogen production. The review focuses on the most recent patents related to hydrogen production and aims to identify the most promising methods for the efficient production of hydrogen. Special attention is given to innovations involving multiphase materials and novel electrocatalysts. The bibliometric analysis examines the patent landscape, identifies the top assignee, leading countries, and assesses patent trends in the field. Additionally, the review provides an overview of the various technologies used for hydrogen production and highlights the latest technology updates in hydrogen production, which include the new sources to produce hydrogen, the development of the device, the updated processing method, and the development of catalysts. Based on our analysis, China has emerged as the frontrunner in hydrogen patent publications, with the Huaneng Group being the top assignee. This review also highlighted on the factors contributing to China's prominent position in this field. Furthermore, the analysis of IPC codes reveals that electrolysis has emerged as the dominant method for hydrogen production, with a total of 611 patents published over a period of 10 years. Following closely behind is the decomposition of inorganic compounds, such as ammonia, employing diverse techniques like thermal decomposition and photolysis, with 464 patents granted over the same duration. This current patent review can be fully utilized by the researchers to keep abreast of the latest trends in hydrogen-generating strategies which could potentially aid in the development of innovative technologies and applications in the field. • Analysis of hydrogen (H 2) production patents using Derwent World Patents Index. • Bibliometric analysis, technology evaluation and updates of hydrogen production. • Efficient methods utilizing multiphase materials and novel electrocatalysts. • Top assignee in H 2 production patents filing were identified with associating factor. • Electrolysis was found to be the dominant and prominent method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]