GKN PM develops high-performance Porous Transport Layers for green hydrogen production
October 16, 2024
GKN Powder Metallurgy has announced the development of a new generation of high-performance, high-porous, and high-purity Porous Transport Layers (HP-PTL) for Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysis. The solution, developed from a decade of research, is designed to improve hydrogen production by increasing efficiency and reducing overall environmental impact.
By significantly reducing the required amount of catalyst materials such as iridium, GKN’s HP-PTL lowers stack costs, increasing the affordability of advanced PEM electrolysers compared to traditional solutions.
Utilising Powder Metallurgy, the HP-PTL has a highly porous structure comprised of a fine powder layer which increases surface area connectivity. This design also reduces electrical resistance, meaning it requires a lower voltage to produce equal amounts of hydrogen, reducing energy consumption and improving the overall efficiency of electrolysis stacks.
The microstructure shows a high titanium surface in addition to a high porosity. This results in a further reduction of electrical and mass transport resistance, leading directly to a system efficiency increase of up to a reported 30% when compared to current metal sheet solutions on the market.
“Through the development of the HP-PTL, GKN Powder Metallurgy is driving the energy transition forward,” stated Stefan Zeier, Senior VP Operations. “By reducing operational costs and enhancing the efficiency of PEM electrolysis, this innovation plays a crucial role in making renewable hydrogen production economically viable. As a result, it opens new possibilities for a safer, more cost-efficient future based on environmentally sustainable energy.”
GKN Powder Metallurgy will showcase a model of its HP-PTL at the Hydrogen Technology Europe Expo in Hamburg, Germany, from October 23-24.
