New partnership aims to develop fuel cell with liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC)

Researchers at HI ERN are developing the catalysts and membranes required for this technology specifically for this application

Erlangen, 21. January 2022 - The Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nuremberg for Renewable Energies (HI ERN), the automotive and industrial supplier Schaeffler and Hydrogenious LOHC Technologies GmbH have concluded a cooperation agreement in the field of hydrogen technology. The common goal is the development of a hydrogen fuel cell that is operated with a liquid organic hydrogen carrier, so-called LOHC (Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier). The use of LOHC has the advantage of making fuel cell operation simpler, safer, more cost-effective and more sustainable, thus making an important contribution to CO2-neutral and at the same time sustainable mobility.

The project builds on the extensive pioneering achievements of Hydrogenious and HI ERN in research and development in the field of LOHC as well as corresponding know-how and patents. Together with the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nuremberg, Schaeffler is developing the corresponding fuel cell technology for the direct use of hydrogen bound in LOHC. For this purpose, adaptations have to be made in the design of the fuel cells. Schaeffler manufactures the bipolar plates, taking advantage of synergies and drawing on know-how from previously developed fuel cell technology. The catalysts and membranes required for this technology are being developed by researchers here at HI ERN specifically for this application.

Kontakt:

Patrick Preuster
Teamleiter Process Units for Chemical Hydrogen Storage
Mail: p.preuster@fz-juelich.de
Tel.: +49 (0)9131-12538167

Jessica Pölloth
PR und Kommunikation
Mail: j.poelloth@fz-juelich.de
Tel.: +49 (0)9131 12538-204