Heraeus Virtual Hydrogen Talks:
The role of AI in PEM-Electrolysis
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly shaping the future of research and development — sometimes seen as a powerful tool, and sometimes even referred to as “the new colleague in R&D.” On the other hand, tangible results in the contribution to development are still moderate and it is yet open when and to which extend the AIs will live up to the high expectations.
In this edition of our Hydrogen Talks, we will explore the role of AI in the development of electrocatalysts and electrodes, with a particular focus on water electrolysis using PEM technology.
Together with experts from the AI industry and PEM electrolysis manufacturers, we will discuss key questions such as:
- What is the current state of AI applications in the development of new materials and solutions?
- What is working already, and what is not? What would be needed to make a substantial change?
- How can AI contribute to the really pressing topics, such as reducing the Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) or to optimize the performance and efficiency of water electrolysis systems?
This panel aims to provide insights into how AI is transforming innovation in hydrogen technologies and to foster dialogue between AI specialists and electrolysis experts.
*Please note that registration is required to participate.
Information
| Topic |
The role of AI in PEM-Electrolysis |
|---|---|
| Date | Thursday, February 5th, 2026 |
| Time | 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm CEST |
| Location | Online (GoToWebinar) |
| Speakers |
Dr. Maureen Morla, Calicat R. Duane Dickson, Mattiq Dr. Christian Gebauer, Heraeus Precious Metals |
| Moderator | Dr. Philipp Walter, Heraeus Precious Metals |
Registration
Speaker
Dr. Maureen Morla, Senior Catalyst Product Engineer | Calicat
Since 2023, Dr. Morla has spearheaded the development of California Catalyst's predictive AI/ML models used to facilitate catalyst discovery. As a catalyst product engineer, she works through the various stages of catalyst development from high-throughput screening to powder synthesis to ink formulation and application for cell testing. Dr. Morla earned her Ph.D in Chemistry at the California Institute of Technology under Professor Nathan Lewis, and her Bachelors of Science in Chemical Engineering at University of California, Berkeley.
R. Duane Dickson, Chief Commercial Officer | Mattiq
R. Duane Dickson is Chief Commercial Officer of Mattiq, a venture-scale materials innovation company that combines ultra-high-throughput physical discovery with artificial intelligence and machine learning to accelerate catalyst and materials development for electrochemistry, PEM electrolysis, and other energy-intensive applications.
Duane is a Venture Partner at Breakthrough Energy Ventures and serves on the Board of Directors of Koloma, a company pioneering naturally sourced green hydrogen. He is also a Senior Industry Expert at RMI, contributing to climate-aligned initiatives across chemicals, materials, and refining, and serves on the Advisory Board of Knowde, a digital platform transforming chemical industry commerce.
Prior to his current roles, Duane was Vice Chairman and US Sector Leader for Oil, Gas & Chemicals at Deloitte, where he led decarbonization initiatives with the American Chemistry Council. His earlier career includes executive leadership at Union Carbide, Hercules, and Ansell, as well as senior advisory roles at A.T. Kearney and Mercer Management Consulting.
Duane holds a BBA from Southern Methodist University and completed the Advanced Management Programme at London Business School.
Dr. Christian Gebauer, Head of Innovation, Hydrogen Systems | Heraeus Precious Metals
Dr. Christian Gebauer holds the position of the Head of Innovation in the Business Line Hydrogen Systems at Heraeus Precious Metals GmbH & Co. KG. Here, he’s since 2018 in the technical lead for the development of catalysts for electrolysis and fuel cells.
He started his professional career at Heraeus in November 2016 as a project manager for PEM electrolysis and held afterwards different positions in the respective and adjacent fields.
Christian Gebauer graduated his studies with a PhD in Chemistry at an institute for physical chemistry at Ulm University (Germany) in 2016, where he focused on surface analytics and catalysis as well as applied electrochemistry in the field of fuel cells.
Moderator
Dr. Philipp Walter, Executive Vice President, Hydrogen Systems | Heraeus Precious Metals
Philipp is a chemist by education and received his PhD from the University of Freiburg, Germany. He held several management positions in the chemical industry in new business development, marketing, sales and business management in Norway, USA, Switzerland and Germany.
He joined Heraeus in 2016 and is now Executive Vice President and leading the Business Line Hydrogen Systems within Heraeus Precious Metals. Philipp is based at Heraeus’ Headquarters in Hanau, Germany.
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