{"id":16717,"date":"2026-07-17T08:04:27","date_gmt":"2026-07-17T08:04:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zbt.de\/projects\/rematkat-reduction-of-critical-materials-in-pem-electrolysers\/"},"modified":"2026-08-06T11:11:24","modified_gmt":"2026-08-06T11:11:24","slug":"rematkat-reduction-of-critical-materials-in-pem-electrolysers","status":"publish","type":"project","link":"https:\/\/zbt.de\/en\/projects\/rematkat-reduction-of-critical-materials-in-pem-electrolysers\/","title":{"rendered":"ReMatKat \u2013 Reduction of Critical Materials in PEM Electrolysers"},"content":{"rendered":"
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ReMatKat \u2013 Reduction of Critical Materials in PEM Electrolysers<\/h1>\n

PEM electrolysers require rare, expensive, and otherwise critical materials, including iridium for the catalysts and PFAS for the membranes. The ReMatKat project aims to reduce the use of such materials. <\/p>\n<\/h4>\n

As part of the ReMatKat collaborative project, we are working with ionysis GmbH to develop innovative catalyst-coated membranes<\/strong> (CCM) for PEM electrolysers that use significantly fewer critical raw materials<\/strong>. The goal is to reduce the use of iridium and PFAS-containing materials through new membrane and cell designs without compromising the performance and service life of the electrolyser. <\/p>\n

To this end, edge-reinforced membrane structures (subgaskets), thinner membranes, recombination catalysts to reduce hydrogen crossover, and material-efficient catalyst layers<\/strong> are being developed and validated in individual cells.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Analysis Using X-ray Microscopy<\/h2>\n

The ZBT supports this development with comprehensive material characterisation<\/strong> and electrochemical testing. A particular focus is on the non-destructive analysis of the membrane composite using X-ray microscopy<\/strong> (XRM) to investigate its structure, integrity, and degradation mechanisms under realistic operating conditions. <\/p>\n

In this way, ReMatKat is making an important contribution to the development of resource-efficient and cost-effective PEM electrolysers for the future hydrogen economy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Project information<\/h2>\n

Title:<\/b> ReMatKat \u2013 Reduction of Critical Materials in PEM Electrolysers Through Material-Efficient Cell Structure and Catalytic Optimisation<\/p>\n

Term:<\/b> July 1, 2026 \u2013 June 30, 2028<\/p>\n

Funding:<\/b> \u201cKMU-innovativ: Resource Efficiency and the Circular Economy\u201d funding program of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space<\/p>\n

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