Innovative Catalysts for Green Hydrogen

Green hydrogen is seen as a key to the energy transition and sustainable storage of renewable energy. So far, hydrogen production by electrolysis is still expensive, mainly due to costly precious metal catalysts and complex manufacturing processes. To reduce CO₂ emissions and make industry less dependent on fossil fuels, new, affordable, and durable solutions for hydrogen production are needed.

The HOLMES-AEM project – undertaken by Zentrum für Brennstoffzellen Technik GmbH (ZBT), University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE), and Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS – aims to make green hydrogen production more affordable and sustainable. To achieve this, the project focuses on developing innovative catalysts that do not require expensive precious metals. Using a novel laser-based synthesis method, these catalysts can be produced quickly and flexibly. A special testing procedure allows the performance and durability of the catalysts to be evaluated directly during operation. By improving the membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) used in alkaline water electrolysis, the project paves the way for robust and efficient hydrogen production on an industrial scale. This approach supports the transition to renewable energy and helps various industries reduce their carbon footprint.

The research results benefit companies in energy technology, mechanical and plant engineering, the chemical industry, measurement and nanotechnology, as well as manufacturers of electrolyzers and catalysts. The new solutions are particularly relevant for decarbonizing industrial processes, producing hydrogen for mobility, and developing innovative measurement systems.