Programme Category
Programme Name
Programme Description
The Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking or Clean Hydrogen Partnership is a unique public-private partnership supporting research and innovation (R&I) activities in hydrogen technologies in Europe. It builds upon the success of its predecessor, the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking.
Identifier Code
Call
Summary
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.
Detailed Call Description
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.
Call Total Budget
Financing percentage by EU or other bodies / Level of Subsidy or Loan
Expected EU contribution: €3.000.000
Thematic Categories
- Other Thematic Category
- Research, Technological Development and Innovation
Eligibility for Participation
- Other Beneficiaries
- Researchers/Research Centers/Institutions
Eligibility For Participation Notes
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.
An additional obligation regarding subcontracting has been introduced, namely that subcontracted work may only be performed in target countries set out in the call conditions.
The beneficiaries must ensure that the subcontracted work is performed in the countries set out in the call conditions.
The target countries are all Member States of the European Union and all Associated Countries.
Call Opening Date
Call Closing Date
EU Contact Point
Email: info@clean-hydrogen.europa.eu
Phone number: +32 22218148
Postal address: Avenue de la Toison d’Or 56-60, 1060 Brussels, Belgium