pH Matter Developing Materials for Heavy-Duty Fuel Cells
COLUMBUS, OH — As we emerge from the pandemic shut down, home deliveries and the associated distribution network is expected to remain in high demand. pH Matter (“the company”) is pleased to announce it has begun development of improved catalyst products for heavy-duty distribution applications as part of a $2.3 million Department of Energy project. The distribution sector is essential to delivering goods everyone needs. However, the sector is also one of the largest sources of carbon emissions. Fuel cells operating on “green” hydrogen offer a means to eliminate polluting emissions from the distribution sector. A unique value proposition of heavy-duty fuel cells for distribution applications is the high energy density of hydrogen, similar to liquid fuels, and fast refueling, which keeps equipment running around the clock. Fuel cell powered products now being introduced include long-haul trucks, delivery trucks, trains, and ships to name a few. A major barrier to adoption of fuel cells for heavy-duty applications is the durability of the catalysts required to convert hydrogen to power. For example, the catalyst materials need to survive one million miles of operation for heavy-duty truck applications or the entire fuel cell stack would need to be replaced.
pH Matter’s new heavy-duty catalyst products will be part of the company’s CORCatTM catalyst line. pH Matter was among the first commercial suppliers to demonstrate catalysts that can survive an automotive lifetime drive cycle with low platinum loading, meeting the Department of Energy’s challenging 2020 targets. As the company’s president, Dr. Paul Matter, stated, “we are leveraging our highly durable CORCatTM automotive catalyst approach to produce fuel cell catalysts that meet requirements for heavy-duty applications, and enable a distribution sector based on clean hydrogen fuel cells”.
The catalyst materials are based on technology licensed from The Ohio State University. Development of commercial products was funded in part by the Ohio Third Frontier program, Rev1 Ventures, and the Department of Energy Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract focused on fuel cell catalyst development for heavy-duty applications. The SBIR program supports small businesses in development of innovative products that support the U.S. economy, defense network, and global competitiveness.
For more information contact info@phmatter.com.
About the Company Founded in 2010 and located in Columbus, Ohio, pH Matter LLC is a leading developer of new materials for electrochemical applications with particular expertise in engineered materials for fuel cells, batteries, and electrolysis. In conventional electrodes, carbon black developed for non-electrochemical applications is typically used. Although carbon black is low cost and electrically conductive, conventional carbon is not optimal for transportation of reactants, long-term binding of catalysts, or resistance to oxidation. pH Matter’s materials are optimized for important performance and durability attributes, thus reducing overall cell cost.
Contact info@phmatter.com to learn more.
