BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions (ECMS) has opened a new hydrogen component laboratory in Hannover, Germany.
The facility is dedicated to advancing research on anode and cathode platinum group metal (PGM), which contains catalysts and components. Additionally, ECMS will apply its expertise in catalysts and precious metals to develop next-generation catalysts for electrolysis.
The laboratory will also aim to address the scarcity and high cost of iridium for PEM electrolysers. Research will be carried out to reduce the iridium content without compromising the electrolyser’s efficiency or durability.
Furthermore, electrochemical testing of catalyst-coated membranes (CCMs) will be carried out under various conditions to assess performance and degradation. BASF ECMS will support local customer-specific projects too and conduct fuel testing.
“Our R&D team in Hannover has launched many innovative solutions that have enabled our automotive customers to cost-effectively meet the strictest emission standards,” explained Saeed Alerasool, Senior Vice-President of RD&A at ECMS.
“Its long-established expertise in catalysts, precious metals, formulation and coating makes it the perfect location to establish our European hub for the development of next-generation green hydrogen technologies.”
In July, BASF ECMS broke ground on a similar facility in Budenheim, Germany, which is scheduled to begin operations in 2025.
Read more:BASF ECMS breaks ground on electrolyser and fuel cell component facility
This electrolyser and fuel cell component production site will develop low iridium-loaded CCMs used in PEM electrolysers up to the multi-gigawatt capacity.
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