Heraeus Precious Metals, one of the leading companies in the precious metals industry, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Jolt Solutions, a Barcelona-based company specialized in the coating of metallic catalysts for electrochemical applications. Both companies aim to optimize the use of platinum group metals (PGM) for proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis utilizing Jolt’s proprietary SparkfuzeTM technology.
This coating technology is a faster coating method with low energy demands and is easily scalable in contrast to conventional coating technologies. It produces surfaces with high catalytic activity and high durability. Jolt Solutions already produces catalyst coated nickel substrates (electrodes) for use in alkaline water electrolysis and anion exchange membrane electrolysis.
The cost-efficient production of green hydrogen on an industrial scale is an important element towards a zero-emission society. According to the Hydrogen Council, 375 gigawatts of electrolysis capacity has been announced through 2030, 30% of which are expected to be implemented. As platinum group metals play an important role in the hydrogen economy, its sourcing, application, and recycling are pivotal for cost efficiency.
Together, the two companies aim to explore the use of PGM-based metallic catalysts for PEM water electrolysis. Heraeus Precious Metals sees synergies between the two companies. Whilst utilizing Jolt’s patented electrode production technique to produce electrochemical products, the precious metals expert can use its specialties in PGM trading, hedging, PGM sourcing, recycling and recovery to create a valuable closed loop product offering.
Leon Rizzi, CEO of Jolt Solutions said “We welcome the interest of such a large and prestigious precious metal specialist. Heraeus’ wealth of knowledge regarding PGM chemistry along with their experience in production scaleup, production of electrochemical products and recycling technologies will help guide Jolt’s offerings to the market. We are looking forward to exploring new business opportunities together.”
Philipp Walter, Executive Vice President Business Line Hydrogen Systems said: “The proprietary coating technology of Jolt Solutions looks well differentiated from traditional coating methods. Their technology competence and ability to tackle and quickly scale development projects is a very good fit to our know-how and service portfolio around PGM applications.”
