{"id":14929,"date":"2026-03-12T09:01:30","date_gmt":"2026-03-12T09:01:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zbt.de\/projects\/hihype-new-aem-technology-for-electrochemical-hydrogen-compressors\/"},"modified":"2026-03-17T15:30:39","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T15:30:39","slug":"hihype-new-aem-technology-for-electrochemical-hydrogen-compressors","status":"publish","type":"project","link":"https:\/\/zbt.de\/en\/projects\/hihype-new-aem-technology-for-electrochemical-hydrogen-compressors\/","title":{"rendered":"HiHyPe: New AEM technology for electrochemical hydrogen compressors"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n

HiHyPe: New AEM technology for electrochemical hydrogen compressors<\/h1>\n

The HiHyPe project is developing an efficient, low- to non-precious metal AEM technology for more sustainable electrochemical hydrogen compressors, thereby strengthening the future of the hydrogen economy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

\n \"\"\n <\/figure>\n <\/section>\n\n\n
\n
\n

<\/h2>\n

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<\/strong>. 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. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

\n \"\"\n
\n <\/div>\n <\/figure>\n<\/section>\n\n\n
\n
\n

<\/h2>\n

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<\/strong> and PGM<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

\n \"\"\n
\n <\/div>\n <\/figure>\n<\/section>\n\n\n
\n

<\/h2>\n

In addition, the project systematically investigates electrochemical losses, Faraday efficiency and relevant ageing mechanisms of the systems. Advanced diagnostic methods, including specially developed hydrogen reference electrodes, enable a detailed understanding of the underlying processes.
\nAs high differential pressures can occur during the operation of electrochemical hydrogen compressors, special test cells with innovative electrochemical measurement are used. These enable realistic investigations and provide important data for the further development of the technology. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

\n \"\"\n \n<\/section>\n\n
\n

<\/h2>\n

HiHyPe is particularly relevant for small and medium-sized companies in the fuel cell and electrolysis sectors. The stack structure is already known in many cases, while the further development of the membrane electrode unit opens up new innovation potential. Material screening and optimisation processes create an important basis for technology transfer. <\/p>\n

The project provides basic knowledge and practical guidelines for the further development of AEM-based electrochemical hydrogen compression. In the long term, this opens up prospects for more cost-effective, resource-efficient systems with less dependence on PFAS and critical precious metals. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

\n \"\"\n \n<\/section>\n\n
\n

Project information<\/h2>\n

Project title:<\/strong> Innovative and safe performance optimisation of electrochemical hydrogen compression (EHC) with both precious and non-precious metal catalysts in hydroxide ion exchange membrane systems (AEM)<\/p>\n

Project partners:<\/strong><\/p>\n