Development of non-fluorinated components for fuel cells and electrolysers

The scope of this topic is limited to proton exchange membrane (PEM-based) fuel cells (PEMFCs) and/or electrolysers (PEMELs) because other hydrogen fuel cell and electrolyser technologies, e.g. high temperature solid oxide or proton conducting ceramics, and low temperature anion exchange membrane technologies typically do not incorporate PFAS in their materials components.

More specifically, the proposed project should focus on the development of non-fluorinated ionomers, both membrane and catalyst layer ionomer, as well as non-fluorinated membrane reinforcement materials to replace ePTFE-based membrane reinforcements.

Proposals should address the following:

• The development of non-fluorinated ionomers for membranes and catalyst layers with low resistance, low H₂ permeability, high thermal and chemical stability, as well as, for membranes, high mechanical stability in both wet and dry states;
• The development of non-fluorinated membrane reinforcement technologies to enhance the mechanical strength and reduce the dimensional swelling of fluorine-free membranes;
• Studies investigating the use of non-fluorinated ionomers in the catalyst layer, including the optimisation of catalyst ink composition and subsequent catalyst layer deposition;
• Validation of single cells/short stacks in PEMFC and/or PEMEL (minimum cell size of 25 cm²) employing appropriate performance and durability protocols.
• Lifecycle and environmental impact assessment comparing the novel non-fluorinated components developed within the project with the existing fluorinated components to demonstrate the sustainability of the proposed solutions.
• Techno-economic analysis of the new non-fluorinated components to identify potential advantages in capital and/or operational expenditures is also considered within the scope of this topic.

Projects should build synergies with current projects that include the development on non-fluorinated fuel cell and electrolyser components, e.g. SUSTAINCELL and HIGHLANDER. Collaboration between academic institutes, research organisations, and industry partners are expected to address the scope of the topic in a suitable manner. The consortium should consist of at least one partner with the capability to produce membranes and/or catalyst-coated membranes (CCMs) at industrially relevant scales to ensure that the developed technologies are compatible with high-volume manufacturing technologies. This will ensure rapid market uptake and technology transfer following the conclusion of the project. The developed components should be demonstrated in a single cell PEM fuel cell and/or electrolysis cell. The minimum cell size for demonstration should be 25 cm² and testing in a short stack of up to five cells could also be considered.

For activities developing test protocols and procedures for the performance and durability assessment of electrolysers and fuel cell components proposals should foresee a collaboration mechanism with JRC (see section 2.2.4.3 "Collaboration with JRC"), in order to support EU-wide harmonisation. Test activities should adopt the already published EU harmonised testing protocols to benchmark performance and quantify progress at programme level.

Proposals are expected to contribute towards the activities of Mission Innovation 2.0 - Clean Hydrogen Mission. Cooperation with entities from Clean Hydrogen Mission member countries, which are neither EU Member States nor Horizon Europe Associated countries, is encouraged (see section 2.2.6.7 International Cooperation).

For additional elements applicable to all topics please refer to section 2.2.3.2.

Activities are expected to start at TRL 2 and achieve TRL 4 by the end of the project - see General Annex B.

The JU estimates that an EU contribution of maximum EUR 3.00 million would allow these outcomes to be addressed appropriately.

The conditions related to this topic are provided in the chapter 2.2.3.2 of the Clean Hydrogen JU 2024 Annual Work Plan and in the General Annexes to the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023–2024 which apply mutatis mutandis.