Smoltek Hydrogen and Heraeus Precious Metals have agreed to jointly develop advanced iridium-based catalyst solutions for PEM electrolysers to improve the total cost of ownership (TCO).
Under a strategic collaboration agreement, the two companies aim to enhance the functional efficiency of porous transport electrodes (PTEs) in PEM systems, whilst “redefining” iridium efficiency for hydrogen production.
The approach will integrate the porous transport layer with ultra-thin iridium and platinum catalytic coatings. This could cut iridium usage while boosting efficiency and lowering costs.
To the partnership, Smoltek will contribute its nanostructured, ultra-low iridium technology, having already achieved a 0.1 mg/cm² iridium loading in PEM electrolysers. Heraeus provides expertise in catalyst formulations, including ruthenium-iridium catalysts.
The partnership is non-binding and won’t offer direct revenue, but it offers Smoltek access to Heraeus’ industry network to potentially expand its market reach.
“Heraeus’ unique low-iridium catalyst solutions have made them known as the technology leader by everyone in the PEM electrolysis business,” claimed Ellinor Ehrnberg, President of Smotlet Hydrogen.
“Placing this on our nanofibers, which are also designed for ultra-low iridium content, should be a breakthrough creating echoes in the whole industry.”
Last month, Heraeus and Mattiq announced they would partner with the aim of reducing the reliance on iridium use in the latter’s electrolysers.
Read more:Mattiq and Heraeus partner to commercialise low-iridium catalysts for hydrogen production
The two companies stated they will shorten the traditional R&D-to-commercialisation timeline, “rapidly advancing low-iridium catalysts from prototype to industrial-scale solutions.”
Last year, Major PEM electrolyser manufacturer ITM Power reportedly validated an additional 40% iridium loading reduction on its electrolyser products whilst maintaining stack performance and longevity.
Read more:ITM slashes iridium use by 40% in electrolyser stack technology
