Companies will collaborate on R&D of novel platinum group metals containing electrocatalysts for proton exchange membrane electrolyzers utilized in the production of green hydrogen.
Sibanye-Stillwater and Heraeus Precious Metals say they have agreed to jointly collaborate on research and development of novel platinum group metals (PGM) containing electrocatalysts with high activity and stability for proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers (the partnership) utilized in the production of green hydrogen. The project reportedly will be equally funded by the parties over a three-year period. The results will be mutually commercialized, and the parties will cooperate on communication and marketing of the novel catalyst.
Platinum and iridium are currently essential components of electrocatalysts for the generation of green hydrogen by means of PEM electrolysis. Iridium, however, is one of the scarcest PGMs and its limited availability is a potential constraint on the future widespread adoption of PGM PEM electrolyzers. Reducing iridium loadings in PEM electrocatalysts is key to ensuring a sustainable hydrogen ecosystem, enabling PEM technology to be cost-competitive to make triple digit giga-watt-scale a reality within the next decade, according to the companies.
The partners aim to develop a new offering based on looking at the substitution of iridium with other metals, as well as developing more sophisticated metal oxide structures. Heraeus Precious Metals is an international technology group with expertise in the design of electrocatalysts for PEM electrolysis and in offerings for the sustainable and cost-effective use of precious metals catalysts. Sibanye-Stillwater is a provider of green metals, including platinum, iridium, and ruthenium that invests in market development and in innovative technologies that enable sustainable demand for the metals it produces.
“Our objective is to ensure our metals, including PGMs play a vital role in unlocking the future green economy, including hydrogen. The partnership with Heraeus and the investment in the successful development and commercialization of catalysts for PEM electrolyzers will enable another aspect of a greener future,” says Neal Froneman, CEO of Sibanye-Stillwater, in a press release from the company.
Read the press release at: www.sibanyestillwater.com