3M is expanding research and development into emerging technologies focused on decarbonization and renewable fuels. Through cross-functional global teams, 3M Corporate Research and 3M Ventures, the company's corporate venturing arm, 3M is investing in and developing innovative materials for green hydrogen and low-carbon intensity energy separations. Their work builds upon current climate-focused solutions from 3M, which will be on display at a temporary 3M Climate Innovation Center during Climate Week NYC, Sept.

20-22. 3M is applying materials science that could make the production of green hydrogen more cost-effective and efficient. Green hydrogen is a sustainable fuel source that is produced with renewable energy and does not release operational carbon emissions.

This form of hydrogen could offer a solution for sectors that are hard to decarbonize, such as steel and long-haul transport. Leveraging support from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), 3M is developing a catalyst technology used in water electrolysis, which is the primary means of green hydrogen production. The innovative 3M™ Nanostructured Supported Iridium Catalyst Powder reduces the amount of iridium, a rare precious metal, that is required to meet the stringent efficiency and lifetime requirements of water electrolyzers.

The catalyst technology can result in substantial cost savings for customers, reducing another barrier to the adoption and expansion of green hydrogen production. Given that more than 95% of current hydrogen production is fossil-fuel based, 3M anticipates a substantial opportunity to address the needs of customers in the field of green hydrogen, a $450 million market in 2021 that is expected to grow to $4.3 billion by 2026. 3M is also using its deep expertise in membrane separation technologies to explore new applications in low-carbon intensity energy separations.

While membrane separations are established technologies in various sectors many of which 3M has advanced —the company believes new solutions can improve and scale up renewable fuel production, battery recycling and decarbonization technologies like carbon capture.