BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions (ECMS) opened a new laboratory in Hannover, Germany, dedicated to advancing research on anode and cathode platinum group metal (PGM)-containing catalysts and components. ECMS will apply its deep expertise in catalysis and precious metals to develop next-generation catalysts for water electrolysis to meet demand in the green H₂ market. The new laboratory will benefit from the expertise and capabilities of the research, development and application (RD&A) laboratories operating in the same location.

“Hannover has served as our European powerhouse for the development of leading mobile emissions catalysts and systems for three decades,” said Saeed Alerasool, Senior Vice President of RD&A at ECMS. “Our RD&A team in Hannover has launched many innovative solutions that have enabled our automotive customers to cost-effectively meet the strictest emission standards. Its long-established expertise in catalysis, precious metals, formulation and coating makes it the perfect location to establish our European hub for the development of next-generation green H₂ technologies.”

The new laboratory will focus on several key areas including synthesizing and characterizing advanced water electrolysis catalysts and preparing catalyst coated membranes (CCMs). One of the goals is the development of low-iridium (Ir) catalysts, addressing the scarcity and high cost of iridium, a critical component in proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers. This research aims to significantly reduce the iridium content without compromising the efficiency or durability of the electrolyzer, making green H₂ production more economically viable.

Additionally, the lab will conduct electrochemical testing of CCMs under various conditions to assess performance and degradation. It will also support customer-specific projects and conduct fuel cell testing, allowing ECMS to support customers in the region with product development.

The new lab is another important step for ECMS as it builds a comprehensive product portfolio that supports the entire H₂ value chain while reducing costs for electrolyzers and fuel cells. It also aligns with ECMS’s broader commitment to the global energy transition and decarbonization. ECMS will leverage extensive partnerships and networks in the business and customer industries, so research conducted in the new lab remains cutting-edge and commercially relevant.