Ionomr Innovations has successfully completed its participation in the Shell GameChanger Accelerator Powered by NREL (GCxN) program. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the cleantech realm, offering a promising solution to the challenges of green hydrogen production.
Ionomr, a leading player in the cleantech sector, is on a mission to revolutionize the production of green hydrogen, a crucial component of the renewable energy landscape. Their innovative approach involves the development and commercialization of a new generation of electrochemical materials, designed to be both high-performing and environmentally friendly. These materials are poised to become the foundation of a sustainable green hydrogen economy.
At the heart of Ionomr’s transformational technology is the Aemion+ anion-exchange material (AEM). Through extensive collaboration with experts from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Shell, Ionomr has further validated the exceptional capabilities of Aemion+. This includes outstanding performance and lifetimes that have the potential to reduce the lifecycle system capital cost of hydrogen production equipment via water electrolysis by an impressive 40 percent.
One of the key highlights of Aemion+ is its remarkable ability to enhance the output of electrolysis systems for water electrolysis, all while demonstrating exceptional stability over 800 hours of rigorous testing. Beyond this, it also presents highly efficient and stable configurations for the direct conversion of captured carbon dioxide into liquid fuels, amplifying the output by a remarkable threefold.
Ionomr’s Aemion+ polymers and membranes promise to be a game changer in the green energy landscape. By eliminating the need for expensive and scarce components typically used in water electrolysis, such as iridium and titanium, Ionomr’s technology slashes production costs. Simultaneously, it enhances performance compared to traditional low-cost alkaline systems.
The ramp rate capability of Aemion+ makes it an ideal companion for intermittent renewable energy sources, addressing one of the key challenges associated with renewables. The membrane technology ensures an ultra-stable, lower-cost, safer, and more flexible system for hydrogen production.
Ionomr’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its technological innovation. The materials used in their Aemion+ polymers and membranes are synthesized from an environmentally friendly, hydrocarbon base. This approach not only significantly reduces energy consumption during production but also ensures that the materials are non-toxic to the environment throughout their lifecycle.
Moreover, Ionomr’s technology stands out as an ideal replacement for conventional membrane and polymer products, many of which contain environmentally harmful per- and poly-fluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances.
In summary, Ionomr’s successful participation in the GCxN program is a significant stride toward making green hydrogen production economically viable and environmentally responsible. Their breakthrough technology has the potential to reshape the hydrogen economy, accelerate the transition to renewable energy, and drive forward the global effort to combat climate change.
