Dutch nanotechnology company VSPARTICLE has announced a breakthrough in iridium barrier technology for proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysers, a development that could dramatically lower the cost of producing green hydrogen. By improving iridium utilisation tenfold, the innovation brings the $1/kg cost target for renewable hydrogen production within reach.

The breakthrough, developed in collaboration with US-based hydrogen fuel cell manufacturer Plug Power Inc. and the Centre for Clean Hydrogen at the University of Delaware, exceeds the US Department of Energy’s 2026 goals for iridium efficiency and performance. Iridium, a platinum-group metal, is a critical but scarce component used in PEM electrolysers—devices that generate hydrogen from renewable electricity. Limited annual global production of 7–8 tonnes of iridium has long been considered a bottleneck in scaling green hydrogen technologies.

Headquartered in Delft, VSPARTICLE specialises in nanomaterial innovation and has developed a pioneering nano printing process that can fabricate advanced materials at the push of a button. Its flagship product, the VSP-P1, functions much like an inkjet printer—breaking down base materials such as zinc, aluminium, or titanium into nanoparticles and combining them in precise proportions to produce new materials. This technology enables faster and more efficient development of essential components for clean energy systems, including electrolyser layers.

The essence of VSPARTICLE’s achievement lies in slashing iridium consumption by as much as 90%. Traditional PEM electrolysers require between 1.0 and 2.0 mg/cm² of iridium catalyst coating, whereas the company’s new layer technology reduces this to just 0.1 mg/cm²—without compromising on efficiency or performance. This is accomplished by creating a uniform, nanoporous structure that maximises the electrochemical surface area, enhances reaction efficiency, and simplifies manufacturing.

This technological leap could substantially cut green hydrogen production costs and accelerate global deployment. By addressing one of the industry’s most critical supply constraints, VSPARTICLE’s innovation not only boosts the scalability of hydrogen electrolysis but also reinforces Europe’s leadership in clean energy materials research. With this advance, the Netherlands is poised to play a pivotal role in making affordable, large-scale green hydrogen production a commercial reality.

Source:

https://hydrogen-central.com/netherlands-breakthrough-brings-1-kg-cost-green-hydrogen-closer/