HiHyPe: New AEM technology for electrochemical hydrogen compressors

In the HiHyPe project, the AEM technology for electrochemical hydrogen compressors is being further developed in a targeted manner. The aim is to significantly increase the efficiency and sustainability of hydrogen compression using new materials and at the same time reduce the use of critical raw materials and PFAS. The focus is on innovative membranes, new catalysts and porous carbon and metal-based carrier substrates. In the future, low-PFAS to PFAS-free polymers and catalytic materials with a reduced proportion of platinum group metals (PGM) will be used to make the technology more resource-efficient and sustainable in the long term.

Hydrogen compression is a key step in the hydrogen economy. Electrochemical hydrogen compressors offer advantages over mechanical systems: They enable high-purity hydrogen, reduce potential safety risks and avoid disadvantages such as material wear and high maintenance costs. HiHyPe is further developing this technology and at the same time reducing the use of PFAS and PGM.

The project is developing high-performance and cost-efficient electrocatalysts as well as optimised anode and cathode catalyst layers in order to specifically increase electrochemical performance. Another focus is on advanced AEM membranes with lower hydrogen permeability, higher hydroxide conductivity and improved mechanical stability. These are based on commercially available ionomers, which are being further developed in a targeted manner.