Smoltek strengthens its IP portfolio with a new patent in hydrogen technology - which increases the potential for cost-effective PEM electrolysis

This press release is an English version of the previously published Swedish version, which has interpretive precedence.

Smoltek Nanotech Holding AB (publ) (“Smoltek” or the “Company”) has been granted a new patent in hydrogen technology. The patent relates to an innovative solution for corrosion protection of nanostructures with non-noble metal oxides on the anode in PEM electrolysis, which improves the durability and efficiency of the electrodes at low iridium content. With this patent, Smoltek strengthens its position in the growing market for green hydrogen, while expanding the IP portfolio to a total of 92 granted patents.

Smoltek has been granted a new patent, the sixth in the order, in the area of solutions for hydrogen applications.

“This specific innovation regards corrosion protection of the anode in water electrolysis, with non-noble metal oxides. The innovation also improves the durability and efficiency for anode electrodes with low iridium loading”, Fabian Wenger, Head of R&D at Smoltek Hydrogen states.

Most of the hydrogen produced today comes from fossil hydrocarbons, resulting in huge emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. However, hydrogen production through electrolysis of water can be made 100% fossil-free and avoiding those emissions. A main obstacle though is the use of expensive precious metals, like iridium, as catalysts in the process of the proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolyzers.

Current PEM electrolyzers face significant challenges due to the corrosive conditions within the electrolysis cell. The combination of an acidic environment and high electrical potential requires the use of highly chemically stable materials, such as iridium and platinum.

By using carbon nanostructures as a catalyst support for the anode electrode, Smoltek Hydrogen has shown that a reduction of the iridium content by 95 percent in PEM electrolysers is possible. To protect the nanostructure, it is coated with a platinum coating. With the recently granted patent, Smoltek Hydrogen introduces an innovation that coats the nanostructure with non-precious metal oxides, further reducing the use of expensive platinum, and thus the cost of the anode. In addition, the innovation also improves the cell's durability and efficiency, making the solution even more attractive to electrolyzer manufacturers.

Smoltek’s patent portfolio now globally comprise 92 granted patents in 20 patent families. Read more about our IP and patents.