{"id":16525,"date":"2026-07-30T14:33:08","date_gmt":"2026-07-30T14:33:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zbt.de\/?post_type=news&p=16525"},"modified":"2026-08-05T11:25:06","modified_gmt":"2026-08-05T11:25:06","slug":"zbt-researcher-elisabeth-verweyen-presents-progress-on-conductive-polymer-compounds-2","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/zbt.de\/en\/news\/zbt-researcher-elisabeth-verweyen-presents-progress-on-conductive-polymer-compounds-2\/","title":{"rendered":"High-Performance AEM Electrolysis Without Platinum Group Metals"},"content":{"rendered":"
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High-Performance AEM Electrolysis Without Platinum Group Metals<\/h1>\n

A new scientific paper published in the Journal of Power Sources<\/em> demonstrates the potential of electroplated nickel-sulfur cathodes on stainless steel nonwoven fabric.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Green hydrogen requires electrolysers<\/strong> that combine high performance<\/strong> with scalable and cost-effective materials<\/strong>. A new publication by researchers from the ZBT, the fem Research Institute<\/a>, Ruhr University Bochum (Chair of Carbon Sources and Conversion<\/a>, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry<\/a>) and Fraunhofer UMSICHT<\/a> presents a promising approach to anion-exchange-membrane water electrolysis. The first author is Miriam Hesse, who is nearing completion of her doctoral degree at ZBT. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Nickel-sulfur cathodes achieve high current densities<\/h2>\n

The research team deposited a catalytically active nickel-sulfur layer<\/strong> directly onto a porous stainless steel nonwoven fabric<\/strong>. The cathodes produced in this way do not require platinum group metals and achieved a current density of 2.5 amperes per square centimeter at 2.0 volts in AEM electrolysis. <\/p>\n

Electrodeposition<\/strong> combines the production of the catalyst and its integration into the porous electrode in a single process step. Measurements also show low charge transfer losses and good electrical contact between the catalyst layer and the substrate. <\/p>\n

During operation, the surface of the cathode changes: sulfur is partially leached out, while nickel-rich oxide and hydroxide structures<\/strong> form. The findings suggest that this restructuring is not equivalent to simple, irreversible damage to the cathode. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Open-access scientific publication<\/h2>\n

The results have been published in the open-access article \u201cElectrodeposited Ni\u2013S Cathodes on Stainless Steel Nonwovens for PGM-Free Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis at High Current Density.\u201d<\/strong> The article will appear in the Journal of Power Sources<\/em>, Volume 690, on 30 October 2026, under article number 240732, and is available online. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Contact<\/h3>\n
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\n Miriam Hesse\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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More news<\/h2>\n
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New ZBT publication: More stable MnO\u2082 anodes for PEM water electrolysis<\/h4>\n

New ZBT research shows how Nb\/F co-doping can make MnO\u2082 anodes for PEM water electrolysis more stable and efficient.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Hydrogen in Focus: From Research to Application<\/h4>\n

How do hydrogen technologies make the transition from research to industrial application? Two interviews from the H2Raum blog series provide insights into the work of the ZBT, ranging from hydrogen infrastructure, quality assurance and refuelling to science communication, networking and knowledge transfer. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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ZBT at the Hydrogen Technology Expo 2026 in Hamburg<\/h4>\n

Meet ZBT and the partners of MAT4HY.NRW from 20 to 22 October 2026, at the Hydrogen Technology World Expo in Hamburg.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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High-Performance AEM Electrolysis Without Platinum Group Metals<\/h4>\n

A new scientific paper published in the Journal of Power Sources demonstrates the potential of electroplated nickel-sulfur cathodes on stainless steel nonwoven fabric.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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New Instrument for Gas Analysis<\/h4>\n

The gas analysis laboratory at ZBT is being expanded to include an HPLC-QTOF mass spectrometer.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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Electrolysis Test Facility Now Fully Operational<\/h4>\n

The ZBT has successfully validated a new 40-kW test bench for PEM water electrolysis for pressurized operation.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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ZBT’s Successful Participation in STADTRADELN 2026<\/h4>\n

The “ZBT Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Center” team finished this year’s STADTRADELN with a strong overall performance.<\/p>\n <\/div>\n

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