Rare-earth-free catalytic coatings

So-called rare earths (lanthanum, cerium, neodymium…) are not geologically rare, but China controls over 85% of global refining. For Europe, relying on them is a strategic risk.

Viable substitutes

In electrolysis catalysts, rare earths are used as promoters (improving selectivity or conductivity). We have identified substitutes:

• Cerium → Manganese: excellent as a promoter in catalytic OER oxides.
• Lanthanum → Aluminium: effective as a structuring agent in perovskite oxides.
• Neodymium → Iron: already validated in internal AEM formulations.

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