Arianne studies use of phosphate in hydrogen development

Using high-purity phosphate concentrate from Arianne’s Lac à Paul project in the Saguenay–Lac–Saint-Jean region of Quebec, Arianne Phosphate is collaborating with the University of Quebec at Three-Rivers (“UQTR”) to evaluate its suitability for electrolyzers that produce hydrogen for use in hydrogen fuel cells.

The proton exchange membrane (PEM) in electrolysers that produce hydrogen for use in fuel cells is the focus of UQTR’s work. The mass production of electrolysers is currently beset by three major issues: poor performance, poor durability, and high costs. In order to address these issues, current research is focusing on using phosphate-based materials in the electrolyser components. The increased ionic conductivity provided by phosphate helps to maximize hydrogen production. Professor Samaneh Shahgaldi, an Associate Professor and Canadian Research Chair at the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières, will lead this effort. As a Senior Research Scientist at Cummins/Hydrogenics, Dr. Shahgaldi has also worked in industrial and commercial capacities.

“Although early in the process, electrolysers, as well as our recently announced work with LFP batteries, continues to demonstrate the increasing demands for phosphate beyond the agricultural sector,” said Brian Ostroff, President of Arianne Phosphate. “Arianne’s high-purity phosphate is ideal to meet the world’s growing demand for phosphate as it very well-suited for applications of all sorts; from fertilizer to advanced energy applications. Further, with the project located in Quebec, Canada, it addresses many offtakers’ concerns around security of supply; an issue that has, and continues to, affect the global availability of phosphate.”

UQTR and Shahgaldi are Arianne’s latest partners in the pursuit of specialty applications for high-purity phosphate. The Province of Quebec believes that green hydrogen production has a bright future, and the Government recently announced that it is currently evaluating plans to move this industry forward.

To that end, Quebec has been aggressively supporting initiatives to become a major center for materials, technology, and production of lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries. Additionally, Arianne announced last month that it is currently testing its high-purity phosphate concentrate to meet battery-grade specifications for LFP battery production last month (see Press Release dated November 3, 2021).