Heraeus Precious Metals and Freudenberg e-Power Systems announced a technology partnership. This partnership focuses on catalyst-coated membranes (CCM). These membranes are used in PEM fuel cells. The aim is to combine the core competencies of both companies. These competencies complement each other. The goal is to develop attractive and innovative solutions. This development will be in the field of PEM fuel cell technology. This will drive the market ramp-up.

PEM fuel cells play a central role. They are key in the hydrogen economy. CCMs are crucial for several factors. These include their efficiency, performance, and lifespan. They ensure the electrochemical reactions in the fuel cells. This provides for efficient energy conversion. This conversion happens at the highest level. This results in reduced fuel costs. It also leads to the best total cost of ownership. This is over the entire service life. For better market penetration, industrialization expertise is crucial. Scaling is also important. Heraeus has also recently announced other partnerships. These relate to PEM development. Partners include Mattiq, Jolt Solutions, and Smoltek Hydrogen.

Freudenberg e-Power Systems is a leading provider. They offer fuel cell solutions. These solutions target the global heavy-duty mobility markets. The company builds on the Freudenberg Group’s experience. This experience spans more than 30 years in fuel cell technology. The company combines component knowledge. It also has a holistic system understanding. They possess a unique depth of value creation.

Heraeus Precious Metals is a leading company. It operates in the precious metals industry. The company has many years of experience. This experience is in the development of electrocatalysts. These catalysts are for the hydrogen economy. With its extensive portfolio, the company covers the entire cycle for precious metals. By combining their expertise, Freudenberg e-Power Systems and Heraeus Precious Metals aim to offer their customers something specific. These customers are in the fuel cell sector. They aim to provide exactly what these customers need. This caters to their specific requirements. This ranges from the procurement of the precious metal. It extends to high-performance catalysts. It also includes integrated solutions at the cell level.

The two parties combine their comprehensive expertise. Heraeus Precious Metals brings expertise in precious metal procurement. They also have knowledge of catalysts and recycling. Freudenberg e-Power Systems contributes its unique production process. This process is highly efficient. It maximizes cost advantages. It also provides long-lasting, reliable catalyst layers.

This partnership offers customers many advantages. They can choose from an attractive product portfolio. In addition to suitable, durable, and highly efficient CCM solutions, they find something else. They gain access to extensive expertise in precious metals. This includes precious metal trading and recycling. Furthermore, customers benefit from the stability and reliability of two financially strong family-owned companies.

“The partnership enables us to offer our customers in the hydrogen economy everything from a single source,” explains Philipp Walter. He is the Executive Vice President, Business Line Hydrogen Systems at Heraeus Precious Metals. “This ranges from the procurement of the precious metal to the finished component. Everyone involved benefits from the combination of manufacturing, design, and precious metal expertise, but above all our customers.”

“The combination of Heraeus’ unique expertise in catalyst formulation and recycling and Freudenberg’s many years of experience in the design and manufacture of catalyst-coated membranes paves the way for completely new solutions in fuel cell technology,” emphasizes Dr. Jan Kuiken. He is the CEO at Freudenberg e-Power Systems. “Within this partnership, we are producing CCMs. These CCMs offer superior performance and durability. This serves as a key technology to a broad range of customers worldwide for the first time.” This collaboration signifies a major step forward. It aims to enhance the efficiency and reduce the cost of PEM fuel cell technology. By integrating the strengths of both companies, they intend to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen fuel cells in various applications. The focus on high-performance CCMs is critical. These components are vital for the overall effectiveness of fuel cell systems. The partnership’s comprehensive approach, covering the entire value chain from precious metal sourcing to finished CCMs, provides significant benefits to customers. It ensures a reliable supply of high-quality components and leverages the combined knowledge of two industry leaders. The emphasis on durability and cost-effectiveness addresses key challenges in the widespread adoption of fuel cell technology. This alliance has the potential to make a substantial contribution to the growth of the hydrogen economy.