INP's Breakthrough in Green Hydrogen Production: Revolutionary Technology to Save Precious Metal and Eliminate Harmful Chemicals
Key Ideas
  • INP's membrane electrode assembly (MEA) technology from Greifswald can save up to 95% of iridium in electrolysers, reducing costs and environmental impact.
  • The MEA eliminates the use of harmful PFAS chemicals in hydrogen production, aligning with EU efforts to ban such substances.
  • The establishment of elementarhy GmbH by a team of researchers marks a significant step towards commercializing the innovative electrolysis technology.
  • The German government's support through the EXIST programme and Leibniz Founder Prize reflects confidence in the potential of the technology for green hydrogen production.
The Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP) in Greifswald, Germany has developed a groundbreaking membrane electrode assembly (MEA) technology that can save up to 95% of iridium in electrolysers, significantly reducing costs and environmental impact. This innovation also eliminates the use of per- and polyfluorinated chemicals (PFAS) in hydrogen production, aligning with ongoing efforts to ban such harmful substances. Recognizing the potential of this technology, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action has provided financial support for the establishment of a new company, elementarhy GmbH, to further develop and market the MEA technology. The MEA technology, created through a combination of plasma technology and electrochemistry, offers a cost advantage while helping to scale up green hydrogen production. The innovative membrane electrode assembly not only saves precious metals like iridium and platinum during production but also avoids the use of PFAS in the catalyst layer, making it more environmentally friendly. Dr. Gustav Sievers, Managing Director of elementarhy, highlights the benefits of the technology in terms of cost efficiency and sustainability. The establishment of elementarhy GmbH by the team of researchers signals progress in commercializing the MEA technology. Supported by the EXIST programme, co-funded by the European Social Fund, elementarhy has already received orders for customised MEAs and aims to collaborate with electrolyser manufacturers and hydrogen producers to scale up production. The German government's funding and recognition, including the Leibniz Founder Prize, further validate the potential of this technology for the energy transition towards green hydrogen production. The INP's commitment to supporting innovative solutions and spin-offs, as exemplified by elementarhy, reflects its dedication to advancing crucial technologies for a sustainable future.
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