Wedoany.com Report-Apr. 2, Heraeus Precious Metals and Freudenberg e-Power Systems have formed a technology partnership focused on catalyst-coated membranes (CCMs) for PEM fuel cells. The collaboration aims to merge their unique strengths to create innovative, high-value solutions in PEM fuel cell technology, supporting its broader market adoption.
PEM fuel cell schematic
PEM fuel cells are vital to the hydrogen economy, and CCMs are key to their efficiency, performance, and durability. These components enable effective electrochemical reactions, ensuring optimal energy conversion. This efficiency lowers fuel costs, offering the best overall cost of ownership throughout the cells’ lifespan. Scaling production and industrial expertise are also essential for market growth. Heraeus has recently partnered with Mattiq, Jolt Solutions, and Smoltek Hydrogen on PEM-related projects, expanding its efforts in this field.
Freudenberg e-Power Systems excels in fuel cell solutions for heavy-duty mobility worldwide. With over 30 years of experience from the Freudenberg Group, the company brings deep knowledge of components and systems, paired with strong production capabilities. Heraeus Precious Metals, a leader in the precious metals sector, contributes decades of expertise in electrocatalysts for hydrogen applications, managing the full precious metals cycle from sourcing to recycling.
Together, they aim to provide tailored solutions for fuel cell customers, covering precious metal procurement, high-performance catalysts, and integrated cell-level systems. Heraeus offers its skills in metal sourcing, catalyst development, and recycling, while Freudenberg provides an efficient production process that ensures cost-effective, durable catalyst layers.
The partnership benefits customers with a diverse product range, durable and efficient CCM options, and expertise in precious metals trading and recycling. Both companies, family-owned and financially solid, offer stability and reliability. Philipp Walter, Executive Vice President of Heraeus Precious Metals’ Hydrogen Systems, said: “The partnership enables us to offer our customers in the hydrogen economy everything from a single source, from the procurement of the precious metal to the finished component. Everyone involved benefits from the combination of manufacturing, design and precious metal expertise, but above all our customers.”
Dr. Jan Kuiken, CEO of Freudenberg e-Power Systems, added: “The combination of Heraeus’ unique expertise in catalyst formulation and recycling and Freudenberg’s many years of experience in the design and manufacture of catalyst-coated membranes paves the way for completely new solutions in fuel cell technology. Within this partnership, we are producing CCMs that offer superior performance and durability as a key technology to a broad range of customers worldwide for the first time.” This collaboration positions both firms to meet growing demand with practical, advanced fuel cell solutions.
