HyInnoAEM: From benchmarking to the next implementation phase

How can anion exchange membrane water electrolysis be advanced from individual components toward a robust and scalable stack concept? This question is at the core of the HyInnoAEM project and also shaped the consortium’s fourth project meeting, hosted by FEV in Aachen.

The project brings together partners from research and industry to develop an AEM water electrolysis concept with integrated electrodes and an innovative stack design. Its technical approach includes a simplified stack architecture using PFSA-free adhesives and sealing materials, the development of three-dimensional nickel mesh anodes, catalyst electrodeposition and electrochemical activation, as well as stability testing of PFSA-free membranes.

During the meeting, the project partners shared updates on their respective activities and discussed potential pathways for the next implementation phase. The exchange provided an opportunity to connect the development of individual materials and components with questions concerning stack integration, testing and overall system performance.

Combining research and industrial perspectives

The consortium combines expertise from RWTH Aachen University, Forschungszentrum Jülich and industrial partners, including FXC Engineering, 3M, Bender and FEV Europe. Siemens Energy participates as an associated partner. This interdisciplinary setup connects membrane and electrode development with stack design, simulation and benchmarking.

Bringing these perspectives together is particularly important as the project moves toward its next phase. Material stability, electrode performance, sealing, stack architecture and validation cannot be considered independently. Their interaction will determine how effectively the individual innovations can be integrated into a complete electrolyzer concept.

The fourth project meeting therefore marked more than a regular status update. It created a shared technical perspective on the work completed so far and the next implementation steps ahead.
Many thanks to all project partners for the constructive discussions and to the teams at FEV for organizing the meeting and facility tour. We look forward to continuing the joint work on the next phase of HyInnoAEM.