Heraeus Precious Metals has unveiled Actydon, its new hydrogen systems brand, featuring platinum, iridium, ruthenium and loop technology.
The German firm has divided Actydon into four product families and in the future expects to use the product line to combine and further expand its technology solutions for hydrogen production and use.
Since the deployment of Heraeus’ precious metals business, it has developed and expanded through investments in research facilities, production lines and recycling capacities in China, Germany and the US.
Heraeus has said it’s aiming to ensure the supply of precious metals, some of which are in short supply, and it will provide procurement, product and recycling components all from a single source – Actydon.
The company’s Business Line Hydrogen Systems was introduced in January, providing a comprehensive range of precious metal-based products for electrolysers and fuel cells, along with “state-of-the-art” electrocatalyst solutions for next-generation applications.
Read more: Heraeus Precious Metals launches new business committed to hydrogen
“For the rapidly growing hydrogen economy, we needed a flexible system that allows us to easily categorise our extensive portfolio for our customers and that can grow with the still young industry,” explained Dr. Julia Keck, Head of Product Management at Business Line Hydrogen Systems.
“With Actydon, we are well positioned to support our customers in achieving their goals,” she added.
Dr. Philipp Walter, Head of Business Line Hydrogen Systems, said the introduction of Actydon “underlines [the] commitment to advancing the rapid development of the hydrogen economy with precious metals in the best possible way.”
Walter continued, “Actydon stands for activity, efficiency and stability, and by that we mean not only our catalysts but also the important contribution that precious metals have to make to the energy transition.”
Material change: Creating a PFAS and precious metal-free electrolyser solution
While green hydrogen and electrolysers are seen as key components in the climate solution, concerns that the materials used within electrolyser systems could undermine environmental protection have been steadily mounting.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals” are used in electrolysers, particularly in PEM systems, due to their unique chemical properties to enhance the efficiency and durability of components.
PFAS are used in the manufacturing of PEM electrolyser membranes due to their chemical stability, thermal stability and proton conductivity. They are also used in electrode coatings as catalyst binders, sealing and gaskets for chemical resistance, and gas diffusion layers (GDLs) to give them hydrophobic properties for water management.
More broadly, the substances are used in industries that we encounter in our everyday lives: food packaging and grease-resistant coatings, semiconductors and circuit boards, cleaning products and non-stick surfaces, including non-stick pans.
Continue reading here.
