As the world shifts towards sustainable energy, green hydrogen emerges as a promising solution. However, environmental concerns have arisen regarding the current Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) systems, which rely on persistent chemicals known as PFAS. The European Union is moving to eliminate these substances due to their potential health and environmental hazards. To tackle both the high production costs and the associated chemical issues, the EU-backed SUPREME project aims to create a PFAS-free electrolysis system over the next three years. This initiative, led by the University of Southern Denmark in collaboration with Graz University of Technology and other partners, seeks to enhance efficiency while significantly reducing the use of critical raw materials like iridium.
Advancing Green Hydrogen's Viability
Merit Bodner from TU Graz highlights the increasing demand for hydrogen, which is essential in various industries, including ammonia and methanol production, as well as steel manufacturing. "If we can eliminate harmful substances from green hydrogen production and make it economically competitive with fossil-based hydrogen, we will be making significant strides towards a greener future," Bodner states. This advancement not only supports industrial applications but also enhances the potential for storing surplus energy generated from renewable sources.
The role of hydrogen in industrial processes is pivotal, and as its production becomes cleaner and more cost-effective, its adoption could expand beyond heavy industries to include energy storage solutions.
Exploring Sustainable Materials
At TU Graz, researchers are investigating safer alternatives to PFAS. Bodner's team is assessing commercially available PFAS-free materials to determine if they can meet the durability and efficiency standards required for continuous industrial application. The focus is on ensuring these sustainable materials can withstand the demands of the industry.
Simultaneously, TÜBITAK, the Turkish Science and Technology Council, is dedicated to developing innovative microporous membranes free from PFAS, aimed at future electrolysis systems.
Reducing Iridium Dependency
A significant aspect of the project involves minimizing reliance on iridium, a valuable platinum group metal essential for PEM electrolysis. Collaborating with the British company Ceimig, the University of Southern Denmark is investigating methods to decrease iridium usage by up to 75%, while also developing recycling techniques to recover around 90% of the iridium required.
Additional partners are contributing their expertise, with Fraunhofer ISE in Germany producing membrane electrode units, and Element One Energy AS from Norway designing a new rotating electrolyser to enhance overall system performance.
This ambitious project is funded through the Clean Energy Transition Partnership, supported by the European Commission, aiming to propel the green hydrogen sector into a more sustainable and economically viable future.