Hydrogen Technology World Expo
Hall 5, Booth 5B40
When the hydrogen industry gathers in Hamburg from October 20 to 22, 2026, we’ll be there. At the joint booth of the MAT4HY.NRW (Materials for Future Hydrogen Technologies) cooperation platform, we’ll provide insights into our research and solutions for the electrochemical production, utilization and storage of green hydrogen. This year’s focus: PEM/AEM electrolysis, CO2 electrolysis, and seal-free stack design.
Whether it’s material screening, scale-up, process optimization or validation: We support companies in the manufacturing and testing of membrane electrode assemblies (MEA). Our manual and semi-automated production processes enable the development and optimization of pastes and inks, as well as the processing of our own, commercial, or customer-supplied materials, and are designed for scalable processes. In application oriented tests, we characterize catalysts, membranes, electrodes, and transport layers under variable operating conditions and for various electrolysis concepts such as PEM, AEM, or BPM, including degradation tests to assess stability and aging. In addition, modern analytical methods provide reliable data throughout the entire value chain and form the basis for well-founded process and design decisions. This allows companies to benefit from customized, industrially scalable solutions, rapid implementation, and a reliable data foundation with reduced development risk.
We also support the chemical industry and the aviation sector—which face the central challenge of decarbonization—through our research and development services. The focus is on CO₂ electrolysis, which we systematically develop along the entire value chain and translate into industrial applications. To this end, we investigate CO₂ electrolysis systems on a laboratory and kilogram scale and evaluate performance, scalability, and economic viability under realistic conditions, including variable CO₂ sources and potential impurities. At the component level, we analyze and optimize catalysts, electrodes, and membranes specifically with regard to selectivity, energy efficiency, and long-term stability. In addition, we develop customized testing and development infrastructures—from test cells to automated stack test benches—and support companies from feasibility studies through techno-economic evaluations to scaling. Our proprietary technological approaches, such as high-pressure CO₂ electrolysis or integrated capture-and-electrolysis concepts, expand application possibilities and provide a solid basis for decision-making while shortening development times and reducing investment risk.
Another focus is on an innovative, seal-free stack design for electrolyzers and fuel cells, specifically aimed at reducing production costs and increasing process robustness. The foundation consists of ultra-thin bipolar plates made from conductive, thermoplastic-based compounds, which are cost-effectively manufactured using a continuous roll-to-roll process. These enable stacks to be welded together and largely eliminate the need for traditional sealing elements, thereby reducing vulnerable sealing surfaces, lowering scrap rates, and significantly simplifying assembly processes. At the same time, the number of components and assembly effort are reduced.
Stop by and learn how our solutions can help you advance your hydrogen and CO₂ electrolysis projects faster and more efficiently. We look forward to speaking with you at booth 5B40.
Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT