Smoltek Nanotech Holding AB revealed that the company has achieved proof of concept for its nanofiber-based cell material for PEM-electrolyzers.

The company has demonstrated in a laboratory environment that the cell material fulfils several important performance and durability requirements, including very low contact resistance, which potential industrial partners have stated that they want to test before a collaboration regarding the continued development can be initiated.

The technology has substantial potential to be used to contribute to a new generation of PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) electrolyzers, where either surface efficiency (higher current density) or reduced need of costly iridium-based catalyst are in focus.

”We have now shown that our cell material is an excellent carrier for the catalyst particles used in PEM electrolyzers, and some of these results have already been presented to potential industrial partners in the form of large international manufacturers in the electrolyzer field. Our material works as an interface layer with very low contact resistance for catalytic nanoparticles, for both electrons and hydrogen ions, and this is exactly what is in-demand in this segment,” said Fabian Wenger, Technology Lead at Smoltek Innovation.

The properties of the cell material also makes it suitable for other related applications, including fuel cells.

“Our material constitutes a possible solution which can be applied broadly in the field of electrochemical cells. This includes fuel cells, which are expected to play an important role in the coming years for heavy transports. Water electrolyzers on the other hand are key for producing green hydrogen gas that allows energy-intensive industries, like steel production, to become fossil free. Just looking at our home market Sweden, we are noticing very large investments in green steel production,” said Ellinor Ehrnberg, President of the group company Smoltek Innovation, which is responsible for the development of the cell material.

Smoltek is conducting discussions with potential industrial partners ahead of the continued development of the cell material. At the same time, the development team is working to create a suitable anti-corrosion coating. This is required to make sure that the material is not damaged by the aggressive environment on the anode side of the PEM electrolyzer.