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Smoltek Hydrogen has entered into a strategic collaboration with Heraeus Precious Metals to elevate the functional efficiency of porous transport electrodes in proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers to new heights.
Smoltek Hydrogen, specializing in innovative solutions based on carbon nanotechnology, and Heraeus Precious Metals, a global leader in precious metal solutions, have signed a term sheet on a strategic collaboration on advanced iridium-based catalyst solutions for proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers.
This collaboration marks a significant step toward developing the next generation of PEM electrolyzer technology, supporting the global energy transition with scalable and sustainable solutions.
Boosting the functional efficiency of PTEs for next-gen PEMWEs
By combining our nanostructure technology with Heraeus’ expertise in advanced catalyst formulations, we aim to further push the limits of iridium efficiency in PEM electrolyzers, paving the way for cost-effective green hydrogen production.
Ellinor Ehrnberg, President of Smoltek Hydrogen
The cooperation partners will combine their knowledge to advance the functional of porous transport electrodes (PTEs), representing the next generation electrodes for PEM electrolyzers.
Collaborating with Smoltek Hydrogen allows us to combine their innovation speed with our industrial experience and scale. Together, we aim to achieve a significant leap in catalyst efficiency and provide solutions that meet the needs of a growing hydrogen market.
Philipp Walter, Executive Vice President, Business Line Hydrogen Systems, Heraeus Precious Metals

Strong synergies
The partnership reflects the strong synergies between Heraeus’ global industrial expertise and Smoltek’s innovative solutions based on carbon nanotechnology. It also highlights the increasing importance of reducing iridium dependency in the hydrogen industry, as global demand for PEM electrolyzers continues to rise..
Heraeus’ unique low-iridium catalyst solutions have made them known as the technology leader by everyone in the PEM electrolysis business. Placing this on our nanofibers, which also are designed for ultra-low iridium content, should be a breakthrough creating echoes in the whole industry.
Ellinor Ehrnberg, President of Smoltek Hydrogen
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News
November 4, 2025
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.
News
October 30, 2025
Smoltek Hydrogen recently participated in the Hydrogen Technology World Expo 2025 in Hamburg, Germany – the world’s largest industry event for innovation in hydrogen and electrolysis technology. Ellinor Ehrnberg, President of Smoltek Hydrogen, was invited to a panel discussion on the topic “Overcoming the Key Obstacles in Electrolyzer Expansion”
News
June 12, 2025
Smoltek Hydrogen is developing Smoltek PTE – a proprietary porous transport electrode based on carbon nanostructures, which is intended to meet the requirements of next-generation PEM electrolyzers for the production of fossil-free hydrogen.
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.