To achieve the energy transition, future energy supply systems will require field-proven solutions for sector coupling. Here, hydrogen can act as a central bridge between the intermittent power from PV or wind and the still dominant hydrocarbon-based energy system: Hydrogen-based technologies, such as large-scale storage, electrolysers, fuel cells, or gas engines, are already important elements in the energy technology spectrum and enable, amongst others, the transport and seasonal storage of energy in the required capacity range.

Significant research and development efforts are needed to further improve the efficiency, cost, durability, and manufacturability of both clean hydrogen and renewable energy technologies and systems. In the hydrogen conversion value chain, cost-effective water electrolysis is the missing link. For example, the costs of proton/anion exchange membrane electrolysis (PEM/AEM) systems need to be reduced by scaling up and switching to sustainable materials with a low content of noble metals. On the other hand, high-temperature solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) or direct photo-electrochemical conversion routes need to be developed towards commercial demonstration.

All future green hydrogen-based technologies and value chains have in common that the applied materials need to sustainable, especially abundant, non toxic and recyclable, and deposited via scalable, efficient processes. We develop respective coating solutions based on sustainable materials and scalable processes for hydrogen based energy conversion.