Technology News
Ionomr releases iridiumfree catalyst coated anion exchange membrane Ionomr Innovations has released a catalyst coated membrane ( CCM ) based on its Aemion ® anion exchange membranes ( AEMs ) for reference development of lowcost green hydrogen systems . This marks ‘ a new era ’ for green hydrogen production , featuring iridium-free CCMs devoid of toxic PFSA substances .
Through significant reduction in precious metal usage , the capital expense ( CAPEX ) of the membrane electrode assembly ( MEA ), and therefore the stack and system , are reduced dramatically . This reduction in CAPEX along with the high efficiency provided by the CCM enable significant reductions in operating expense ( OPEX ), by reducing the cost of capital contribution to the hydrogen price when paired with intermittent renewables , which have a low-capacity factor . Using these low-capacity factor electricity sources is essential to achieving electricity prices that can support hydrogen production costs below $ 2 / kg , and the release of AEM-based CCMs marks a major step forward in competitive green hydrogen production .
Ionomr synthesizes membranes and polymers from a hydrocarbon base that demonstrates no bioaccumulative tendencies and are non-toxic to the environment through production and disposal . Ionomr ’ s materials are recyclable and enable system circularity by environmentally friendly catalyst recovery , making them superior replacements for standard membrane and polymer products containing PFAS .
Korean researchers develop new manufacturing technology for SOEC stacks Researchers at the Hydrogen Research Department of the Korea Institute of Energy Research ( KIER ) have developed a new manufacturing technology for solid oxide electrolysis cell ( SOEC ) stacks . In South Korea , several companies and governmentfunded research institutions are developing SOEC technology , but there is a considerable technological gap compared to leading groups abroad . In response , the KIER research team developed a domestic SOEC stack manufacturing technology through technological independence . They succeeded in producing cost-effective and stable performance by stamping metal separator plates with a specific pattern and applying technology to securely seal each cell . This approach ensures both affordability and reliable performance .
The 8-kW single stack , manufactured using the research team ’ s technology , operated stably for 2,500 hours and produced 5.7 kg of hydrogen per day , demonstrating the largest hydrogen production capacity in Korea .
The developed manufacturing technology , which possesses both mass production capability and reliability , has been transferred to Samsung Electro-Mechanics , aiming to enter the SOEC field , and to Bumhan Fuel Cell , a company specializing in fuel cells . In the future , the companies that have acquired the technology and the research team are expected to accelerate domestication through collaborative research .
44 Hydrogen Tech World | Issue 15 | April 2024