Green Energy: Future technologies for hydrogen production and utilization

The transition to green energy is fundamentally changing the way energy is produced and stored, with hydrogen at the center of this development. Umicore aims to make a meaningful contribution to the realization of these future technologies by supporting companies with customized solutions and high-quality precious metal chemicals. Our chemicals help increase the efficiency and performance of these technologies, making processes more economical and sustainable.

Precious metal chemicals for special requirements

Water electrolysis for hydrogen production

Water electrolysis is an environmentally friendly method of producing hydrogen. Water is split into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity, ideally from renewable sources. The success of this technology largely depends on the efficiency of the electrodes utilized. Umicore PMC offers specialized platinum and iridium chemicals that provide high reactivity and stability, essential for the development of these optimized electrodes, ultimately enabling an efficient electrolysis process.

Example: In the offshore wind industry, water electrolysis is used to convert excess wind power into hydrogen. The hydrogen can then be used for energy storage or industrial processes.

A portfolio of established powder catalysts for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) based water electrolysis can be found at Umicore Fuel Cell & Stationary Catalysts

Ammonia cracking and ammonia synthesis

Ammonia is increasingly used as a transport and storage medium for hydrogen, especially in regions with limited infrastructure. To efficiently recover the hydrogen, high-performance ammonia cracking catalysts are crucial. Two main options are discussed: non-precious metal and ruthenium catalysts. Our ruthenium-based chemicals are excellent for producing catalysts designed to convert ammonia into nitrogen and hydrogen (cracking). This allows companies to efficiently obtain clean hydrogen for use in fuel cells or industrial purposes. Our chemicals can also be used to produce ammonia synthesis catalysts, enabling stable ammonia production.

Example: In countries like Japan or Australia, ammonia is used to transport hydrogen. On-site, hydrogen is released through ammonia cracking.

LOHCs: Efficient hydrogen storage

Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHCs) offer an alternative method for transporting and storing hydrogen without the need for highly complex infrastructure. Umicore provides high-quality platinum chemicals suitable for producing catalysts for both the hydrogenation (storage of hydrogen in LOHCs) and dehydrogenation of LOHCs (release of hydrogen from LOHCs). The dehydrogenation process, being the more demanding step, particularly benefits from our high-quality Pt chemicals, which enable catalysts with high reactivity and longevity.

Example: In the automotive industry, vehicles are being developed that use LOHCs for hydrogen storage. The stored hydrogen is released directly in the vehicle and used in a fuel cell to generate energy.

Fuel Cells: Using hydrogen for energy production

Fuel cells play a central role in converting hydrogen into electrical energy, whether in vehicles, stationary applications, or portable devices. Fuel cells operate on the reverse process of water electrolysis, combining hydrogen with oxygen to produce water and energy. Many factors must be considered to produce highly reactive and efficient fuel cells. Optimized electrodes with high reactivity and stability are particularly important. Umicore produces customized platinum and iridium chemicals suitable for manufacturing efficient fuel cells.

Example: Fuel cells are used in buses, trains, and trucks to enable emission-free mobility.

A portfolio of established polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell catalysts can be found at Umicore Fuel Cell & Stationary Catalysts

Why Umicore Precious Metals Chemistry is the ideal partner

Umicore PMC not only offers innovative products but also provides comprehensive support for the implementation of new hydrogen technologies. Our specially developed chemicals contribute to improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing sustainability in catalyst production. We supply flexible quantities of chemicals - suitable for research projects as well as industrial production. Our experienced team is with you every step of the way, from the initial selection of the right chemical for prototype development to the reliable delivery of large quantities for established production processes.

Your benefits of collaborating with PMC

• Customized solutions: Our chemicals are tailored to your requirements and contribute to process optimization.
• Flexibility: We offer delivery in small and large quantities - ideal for research and industrial production.
• Technical expertise: Our experienced team supports you in selecting chemicals and catalysts for your specific needs.
• Quick response times: Direct support to ensure your projects are completed on time and efficiently.

Advancing green technologies together

We recognize the importance of developing green technologies and are committed to supporting you from research to industrial implementation. Our production capacities enable us to deliver both small and large quantities worldwide. Whether established processes or new projects, we are your partner for customized solutions in the hydrogen economy.

Let’s create good chemistry. Together.