Smoltek Hydrogen has received an order for samples of low iridium-load porous transport electrodes (PTE) for PEM electrolyzers. The electrodes will be used in a joint development project with Heraeus Precious Metals, a global leader in precious metals.

The joint project represents an important step towards industrializing low-iridium PEM electrolyzer technology. In the project, the two companies will jointly specify prototype PTEs for Smoltek Hydrogen to produce. Heraeus will integrate the PTEs with membrane and catalyst into full PEM electrolyzer cells, which will then be tested in Heraeus’s state-of-the-art PEM cell laboratories.

“This project is the basis for a strategically important collaboration between Smoltek Hydrogen and Heraeus. Together, we are testing a product that could redefine PEM electrolyzers while future-proofing the use of iridium, one of the world’s rarest and most critical metals,” said Ellinor Ehrnberg, President of Smoltek Hydrogen.

The project will run through the fall of 2025, with a joint evaluation of the results planned for early 2026.

“Smoltek’s electrodes with ultra-thin iridium layers hold great promise, and we are eager to see the results. By combining our global expertise in materials and testing with Smoltek Hydrogen’s innovative technology, we aim to accelerate the transition to next-generation PEM electrolyzers,” said Philipp Walter, Executive Vice President, Business Line Hydrogen Systems at Heraeus Precious Metals.