CWA 18302:2026

This CEN Workshop Agreement (CWA) aims to establish recommendations for the electrochemical characterization of non-noble, porous metal-based electrodes for hydrogen generation in acidic environments at the laboratory scale.
This document provides recommendations on the following key aspects:
- Electrochemical cell for catalyst testing;
- Definition of parameters for assessing catalytic activity and evaluating the durability of the catalysts;
- Analysis and representation of the electrochemical data obtained.
Regarding the types of non-noble materials covered by this methodology, there is no restriction on specific metal compositions. Any porous metal-based electrode with potential HER activity in acidic media falls within the scope of this document.
The document excludes the analysis of the HER mechanisms taking place on the surface of the electrode, however the data collected using the proposed protocol allow further in-depth analysis, if required. Additionally, the interpretation of the obtained electrochemical data remains out of scope of this document, as it often requires a complex approach including other physical and chemical characterization techniques.
The potential users of this document are:
- Researchers developing new non-noble metal-based catalysts for hydrogen evolution;
- Laboratories and experimental facilities conducting electrochemical testing of electrocatalysts;
- Developers of electrochemical cells and testing methodologies for HER materials;
- Research centres focused on complementary technologies for water electrolysis and hydrogen production.