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Smoltek has achieved proof-of-concept for high-performing, nanofiber-based cell material for PEM-electrolyzers. In our laboratory we have demonstrated that the cell material fulfills several important performance and durability requirements, including very low contact resistance, which potential industrial partners have stated that they want to test before a collaboration regarding the continued development can be initiated.
Smoltek’s R&D‑team has carried out solid and determined work in order to achieve proof-of-concept of Smoltek’s nanofiber-based cell material for electrolyzers. This also constitutes a further confirmation of the opportunities with our patent protected technology platform for controlled nanofiber growth. The technology has substantial potential to be used to contribute to a new generation of PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) electrolyzers, where either surface efficiency (higher current density) or reduced need of costly iridium-based catalyst are in focus.
“We have now shown that our cell material is an excellent carrier for the catalyst particles used in PEM electrolyzers, and some of these results have already been presented to potential industrial partners in the form of large international manufacturers in the electrolyzer field. Our material works as an interface layer with very low contact resistance for catalytic nanoparticles, for both electrons and hydrogen ions, and this is exactly what is in-demand in this segment,” says Fabian Wenger, Technology Lead at Smoltek Innovation.
The properties of the cell material also makes it suitable for other related applications, including fuel cells.
“Our material constitutes a possible solution which can be applied broadly in the field of electrochemical cells. This includes fuel cells, which are expected to play an important role in the coming years for heavy transports. Water electrolyzers on the other hand are key for producing green hydrogen gas that allows energy-intensive industries, like steel production, to become fossil free. Just looking at our home market Sweden, we are noticing very large investments in green steel production,” says Ellinor Ehrnberg, President of the group company Smoltek Innovation, which is responsible for the development of the cell material.
Smoltek is conducting discussions with potential industrial partners ahead of the continued development of the cell material. At the same time, the development team is working to create a suitable anti-corrosion coating. This is required to make sure that the material is not damaged by the aggressive environment on the anode side of the PEM electrolyzer.
Image: Amin, Henri, Qi, Simin and Elisa – parts of Smoltek R&D‑team
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Media mentions
June 9, 2025
This is a summary of an article featuring Smoltek titled "Smoltek utvecklar grön vätgas-process 'En framtid vi vill leva i'" published by IT-Hållbarhet.se on June 9, 2025.
News
May 20, 2025
Smoltek has been awarded a new patent within the hydrogen business area. The patent discloses a method for depositing conformally coated catalyst support for the PTL (porous transport layer) that provides both high catalytic activity and additional corrosion protection.
Patents
May 20, 2025
The Electrode Conformal Coating family offer a method for depositing conformally coated catalyst support for the PTL (porous transport layer) that provide both high catalytic activity and additional corrosion protection
Events
April 29, 2025
Smoltek Semi is attending 19th Silicon Saxony Day – The international high-tech and networking event at the International Airport Dresden, Germany.
IR Blog Posts
April 22, 2025
While traditional development processes often progress at a measured pace, truly disruptive technologies, such as Smoltek’s Porous Transport Electrode (PTE), can dramatically compress timelines. When faced with potentially market-changing innovations, industrial enterprises must choose between maintaining the status quo, slow internal development, or embracing partnership with innovative companies like Smoltek Hydrogen.