Clean chemistry leader Mattiq has joined forces with Heraeus Precious Metals, a top global player in the precious metals sector, to develop advanced electrocatalysts for green hydrogen production. The two companies aim to create low-iridium catalysts that will reduce the reliance on this rare material, a key component in proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolyzers, making the technology more scalable and accessible.
Iridium is essential in PEM electrolysis, a technology considered crucial for producing green hydrogen, which is seen as a cornerstone of the global energy transition. However, given iridium’s scarcity, it poses a significant challenge as demand for hydrogen production grows. Mattiq and Heraeus are focusing on developing innovative solutions that minimize iridium use without compromising performance, ensuring a sustainable future for green hydrogen.
This collaboration will accelerate the typical R&D process, fast-tracking low-iridium catalyst designs from the lab to large-scale production. Mattiq, which recently completed a world-first study synthesizing over one million unique low-iridium catalysts for PEM water electrolysis, brings its deep expertise in nanotechnology and electrochemical systems to the table. Heraeus, known for its leadership in catalyst manufacturing and precious metals processing, will focus on scaling these innovative catalysts for commercial use.
“We’re excited to partner with Heraeus and leverage their unmatched experience in electrocatalysis,” said Jeff Erhardt, CEO of Mattiq. “This collaboration will help us accelerate the development of efficient, low-iridium catalysts, reducing the cost of electrolyzer production and supporting the decarbonization of industries that rely on hydrogen.”
Philipp Walter, EVP of Hydrogen Systems at Heraeus Precious Metals, added, “Mattiq’s technological expertise in catalyst development is impressive, and this partnership will further strengthen our position as a leader in electrocatalysis, advancing the global shift to sustainable energy.”
This new partnership builds on the companies’ previous collaboration, which began in 2023 with the testing of a new ruthenium-based catalyst for PEM water electrolysis. Moving forward, Mattiq and Heraeus aim to broaden their work into additional electrochemical solutions, contributing to the broader effort of decarbonizing the chemical industry and accelerating the energy transition.
