One of the world's rarest metals, iridium is an essential material for the manufacture of proton exchange membranes (PEM) used in water electrolyzers that produce hydrogen. The projected alliance will reinforce the metal's supply chain, and enhance the manufacture of membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) with iridium-based technology1 developed by
PEM water electrolysis produces green hydrogen, a clean energy, by applying electricity generated from renewables to the electrolysis. It is highly adaptable to fluctuations in supply of renewable sources, and offers excellent durability. At the heart of the PEM is the MEA, a catalyst made from iridium-but if PEM water electrolyzers are to find wider use, the amount of iridium used in each one must be significantly reduced.
Toshiba ESS continues to develop an MEA that not only achieves required levels of high performance, durability and large capacity hydrogen production, but also cuts the use of iridium to 1/10 from the traditional manufacturing method.
Furuya is one of the world's leading precious metal companies, with particular expertise in the use of platinum group metals in industrial applications. It handles some of the largest volumes of iridium of any company anywhere, with capabilities that extend from processing to recovery and refining of used products. Furuya operates an iridium recycling-oriented business model that combines high efficiency with short lead times.
Through their alliance, Toshiba ESS and Furuya aim to reduce the cost of MEA, and to use their respective strengths in iridium-saving technology, recycling technology, and stable supply capabilities to curb the risk of price fluctuations.
About
With its long experience and expertise in a wide range of power generation and transmission systems, and in energy management technologies, the company delivers innovative, reliable, and efficient energy solutions across the globe.
About
Furuya is a world leading company for Iridium, and contributing to the transition to
(C) 2023 Electronic News Publishing, source