The Heraeus product portfolio includes catalysts with different precious metal loadings and different configurations for different technologies.

Heraeus’ electrolyzer catalysts enable decreased iridium contents while increasing efficiency and performance. For example, it is possible to save up to 90% of iridium compared to the industry benchmark in PEM electrolysis that plays a pivotal role to produce Green Hydrogen from fluctuating renewable energy sources.

Heraeus also offers precious metal catalysts suitable for the use in AEM water electolyzers, direct methanol fuel cells and high-temperature PEM fuel cells as well as precursors for electrode coatings in the alkaline water electrolyzer technology. Heraeus’ fuel cell catalysts provide dedicated solutions for fuel cells addressing the various requirements of anode and cathode such as activity, stability, and cell reversal tolerance. They can be used in a variety of different applications: stationary, heavy-duty vehicles, rail transportation, marine vessels, aviation, MHVs, and passenger vehicles.

Optimizing an electrolyzer or a fuel cell system is not only about catalyst efficiency. Precursors for coating of stack components, such as bipolar plates or PTLs help to achieve optimal performance and durability. Also, the interplay of all stack components and its operation conditions affect the efficiency of electrolyser and fuel cell systems. Heraeus provides the solutions to optimize your stack and balance of plant (BOP) components.

Since decades, Heraeus’ gas purification catalysts have reliably fulfilled the task of removing O₂ from H₂ streams by converting it to H₂O – operating at low temperatures and with an efficient use of the applied Platinum Group Metals (PGM).

With the emergence of new electrolysis technologies and applications, a new generation of deoxygenation and high-performance dehydrogenation catalysts has been developed.

Heraeus Precious Metals provides catalytic solutions for efficient H₂ and O₂ removal from different gas mixtures. HeraPur® catalysts are characterized by:

-       Low temperature removal of O₂ or H₂ from hydrogen or oxygen respectively

-       Different compositions based on Pt, Pd or Pt/Pd alloys

-       Low PGM-loadings – especially for electrolysis feeds with low impurity profiles

Ammonia is considered a promising hydrogen carrier, thanks to many advantages such as:

■ high energy density

■ ease of manufacture and transport

■ long-term storage ability

At the point of demand, ammonia can either be used in its pure form or split into hydrogen via the ammonia decomposition reaction, also known as ammonia cracking. Ammonia cracking is the reverse reaction of ammonia synthesis and involves the dissociation of the ammonia molecule (NH₃) into two basic components – hydrogen (H₂) and nitrogen (N₂₎.

Heraeus Precious Metals offers ruthenium catalysts with precious metal loadings starting between 0.1 and 2 wt% and in different geometries for the efficient ammonia cracking and synthesis.

Heraeus is a specialist in the recovery or recycling of all precious metals. With worldwide sites, capacity and capabilities, Heraeus is capable of handling complex materials, including the waste streams of the hydrogen economy.

With the ramp-up of the hydrogen economy the demand for the recycling of important metals like platinum, iridium or ruthenium from production scrap as well as end-of-life materials will rise dramatically. Already today, Heraeus covers all steps in a state-of-the-art pyrolytic and hydrometallurgical processes from preparation, sampling, analytic and refining of CCMs, MEA, inks and pastes with high return rates. Transparent and auditable production processes can be witnessed by you or a designated representative.

Recycling will help to secure the supply of scarce precious metals, but likewise important it maintains your investments in precious metals for future projects. With increase in PEM electrolyzer capacities, the amount of end-of-life material will increase significantly and Heraeus is already prepared for this GW-scale.

Precious metals are scarce and valuable, and their prices volatile: real expertise is needed to deal with them. This is even more important for dynamic markets like hydrogen, with a rapidly growing demand for critical raw materials. With five trading desks around the world, Heraeus can make precious metals available wherever they are needed.

Heraeus Precious Metals offerings include:

·         Partnerships with mines to secure primary supply

·         Comprehensive trading services covering all time zones

·         Flexible pricing /hedging options and advanced financing models

·         Pool Account Management

·         Physical Supply as LBMA / LPPM approved supplier

·         Digital real-time access to your values