The testing campaign will specifically evaluate the long-term operational stability of Smoltek’s proprietary nanostructured iridium catalyst layer, marking a critical step toward the commercialization and large-scale industrialization of cost-effective green hydrogen production.
The collaboration leverages Smoltek’s innovative nanotechnology alongside Heraeus Precious Metals’ world-class expertise in precious metal electrocatalysts and material analysis.
“Our nanostructured layer offers a unique capability to maximize charge and mass transport properties within a thickness of just a few microns. By optimizing this specific catalyst architecture, we can simultaneously maintain high electrolyzer efficiency while successfully reducing the amount of iridium needed to below 0.1 mg/cm² loading,” says Fabian Wenger, Head of R&D at Smoltek Hydrogen.
Testing and validation are central to transitioning this breakthrough from the laboratory to industrial application. Heraeus Precious Metals will lead the upcoming testing phase, bringing extensive resources to evaluate the catalyst's performance under realistic operational conditions.
“We are looking forward to commencing this extensive testing campaign and to provide the critical material analysis required to validate this technology. With our capabilities we will continue to support all steps towards an industrialization of these highly promising ultra-low iridium PTEs with our comprehensive analytical and testing capabilities,” says Christian Gebauer, Head of Innovation at the Hydrogen Systems Division of Heraeus Precious Metals.
This joint effort directly addresses one of the primary bottlenecks in scaling PEM electrolysis: the high cost of iridium. By drastically reducing the required loading without sacrificing durability. Smoltek Hydrogen and Heraeus Precious Metals are paving the way for the expansion of the global green hydrogen infrastructure.
About Smoltek Hydrogen
Smoltek Hydrogen specializes in the development of nanostructure-supported electrocatalysts, utilizing proprietary carbon nanofiber technology to create highly efficient, low-loading catalyst layers for the hydrogen economy.
About Smoltek Nanotech Holding
Smoltek Nanotech Holding is a public technology company that provides a technology that enables the production of conductive nanostructures on various materials. The company's technology multiplies the actual surface area for electrical and chemical processes and can be used in several industrial sectors. Customers are found in semiconductors and the global process industry.
The products that the company develops are used as infrastructure components for stable power supply to microchips as well as electrodes and coating of surface structures in applications for the production and use of fossil-free hydrogen. The company protects its carbon nanotechnology through an extensive patent portfolio. Smoltek’s share is listed on the Spotlight Stock Market under the ticker symbol SMOL.
Smoltek is a development company and forward-looking statements regarding time to market, production volume and price levels should be interpreted as forecasts and not commitments.
