{"id":15161,"date":"2026-03-30T11:33:48","date_gmt":"2026-03-30T11:33:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zbt.de\/projects\/fency-pem-production-and-use-of-precious-metal-free-fe-n-c-catalysts\/"},"modified":"2026-08-24T07:39:38","modified_gmt":"2026-08-24T07:39:38","slug":"fency-pem","status":"publish","type":"project","link":"https:\/\/zbt.de\/en\/projects\/fency-pem\/","title":{"rendered":"FeNCy-PEM - Production and use of precious metal-free Fe-N-C catalysts"},"content":{"rendered":"
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FeNCy-PEM – Production and use of precious metal-free Fe-N-C catalysts<\/h1>\n

Development of a continuous, scalable production process and integration into the production and application of PEM fuel cell technology<\/h4>\n

In the FeNCy-PEM project, we are working with our partners to develop precious metal-free iron-nitrogen-carbon catalysts (Fe-N-C catalysts) for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEM fuel cells). The aim is to establish a continuous and scalable manufacturing process and to integrate the materials into the production and application of PEM technology. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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New catalysts for more economical PEM fuel cells<\/h2>\n

PEM fuel cells are a key technology for hydrogen utilisation and for a climate-neutral energy supply. However, their widespread adoption has so far been limited by high costs. Platinum<\/strong> plays a central role in this context; it is used as a catalyst and is both costly and subject to dependencies on international supply chains. <\/p>\n

With FeNCy-PEM, we are tackling this challenge and developing Fe-N-C catalysts as a precious metal-free alternative<\/strong> for the cathode. The aim of the project is to make PEM technology more cost-effective, scalable and less dependent on critical raw materials in the long term. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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From innovative material to scalable manufacturing process<\/h2>\n

The project focuses on the development of a continuous process for the production of Fe-N-C catalysts on a pilot scale. Graphene is converted into a catalytically active material by doping with iron and nitrogen. A plasma process in the gas phase is used, which enables the production of catalyst and carrier material in one step and thus creates good conditions for later scaling up. <\/p>\n

The material produced is then further processed into an ink and made into cathodes and membrane electrode assemblies (MEA)<\/strong> in a scalable roll-to-roll process<\/strong>. FeNCy-PEM thus combines the development of the catalyst material directly with production tailored to the material. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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Testing in the application and contribution to the value chain<\/h2>\n

In addition to production, the focus is on the application of the developed materials in the PEM fuel cell. The components manufactured in the project are tested for performance and durability<\/strong> in order to assess their suitability for practical use. In this way, FeNCy-PEM combines material development, process scaling and application testing along the value chain. <\/p>\n

The project thus creates the basis for integrating platinum-free catalysts<\/strong> into fuel cell systems in the future and supporting the further development of hydrogen technology both economically and technologically.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Project information<\/h2>\n

Project acronym:<\/strong> FeNCy-PEM<\/p>\n

Funding code<\/strong>: EFRE-20801377<\/p>\n

Funding competition:<\/strong> Industry.IN.NRW innovation competition<\/p>\n

Term:<\/strong> 1.12.2025 – 30.11.2028<\/p>\n

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