H2U Technologies, an electrolyzer developer, and De Nora, a supplier of high-performing catalyst-coated membranes, announced an R&D agreement to identify and develop low-cost, high-performance electrocatalysts for H₂ production through water electrolysis.

This R&D agreement follows H2U's prior collaboration with De Nora to further leverage H2U's exclusive Catalyst Discovery Engine (CDE) to pioneer groundbreaking electrocatalysts that can be used in systems for water electrolysis-based H₂ production.

The advantage of using H2U's CDE is that it is a data-driven, rapid-screening process that allows scientists to make, characterize and quantify the catalytic activity of thousands of material compositions per week—10,000 times faster than any other discovery method.

"We are pleased to continue our partnership with H2U Technologies," said Christian Urgeghe, Chief Technology Officer of De Nora. "With H2U utilizing ultra-high efficiency and speed electrocatalyst screening technology, De Nora aims to further consolidate its leadership position in the H₂ segment." 

A key objective in the market for water electrolyzers is to reduce the content of iridium catalysts: H2U is at the forefront of techniques for discovering iridium-free materials. De Nora itself has always been committed to implementing strategies to reduce the use of noble metals in favor of environmental and supply chain sustainability," he continued.

"We are honored to collaborate with a partner of De Nora's stature, a renowned global authority in catalytic coatings and membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) for electrolysis," said Mark McGough, H2U's President and CEO. "We are aligned in our commitment to cost reduction and the facilitation of rapid expansion in green H₂ production and look forward to continuing to work with them."