Innovative Sustainable Solutions for Hydrogen Production and Utilization
Key Ideas
- Fraunhofer IAP is developing multi-element catalysts that use less platinum, offering higher activity and lower CO2 emissions for hydrogen production.
- The institute is working on PFAS-free membranes that are more environmentally friendly, efficient, and durable, particularly for applications like fuel cells.
- Innovative membranes for hydrogen purification and drying are being developed, ensuring high-quality hydrogen for various technical applications.
- The scaling of manufacturing processes for catalysts and membranes to industry-relevant levels is a crucial step towards a sustainable hydrogen economy.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP is at the forefront of developing sustainable solutions for hydrogen production and utilization. They are focusing on creating novel catalysts and PFAS-free membranes to enhance the eco-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and durability of hydrogen technologies. These innovations include multi-element catalysts that reduce the use of precious metals like platinum, leading to higher activity, longer service life, and lower CO2 emissions. Additionally, the institute is working on PFAS-free membranes that offer improved ecological performance, efficiency, and durability, especially in high-temperature applications such as fuel cells. They are also developing innovative membranes for hydrogen purification and drying, essential for maintaining gas quality and safety. By scaling up manufacturing processes for catalysts and membranes, Fraunhofer IAP aims to make these technologies economically competitive and suitable for industrial use. The institute's contributions represent significant progress towards a more sustainable and efficient hydrogen economy. The Fraunhofer Hydrogen Network, which includes 39 Fraunhofer Institutes, is dedicated to advancing hydrogen technologies across the entire value chain, contributing to the energy transition.