Electrolyzers

Water electrolysis is a mature technology that uses electrolyzers to convert water into hydrogen (and oxygen). Until now, 90% of hydrogen generation in the energy market was produced by steam methane reforming (SMR) also called natural gas reforming. However, the shift away from natural gas reforming is an expected outcome as low-carbon and renewable domestic energy sources become a priority. There are two types of electrolyzer systems, proton exchange membranes (PEM_ electrolyzers) and alkaline electrolyzers. Each has its advantages and disadvantages but PEM electrolyzer systems are gaining in popularity with lower costs.

When PEM electrolyzers convert water into hydrogen and oxygen, this electrochemical system can create highly corrosive and energy inefficient environments if metal components used in the system are not properly protected. As more of the energy market shifts toward utilizing water electrolysis for hydrogen production, the availability of low-cost metal coating alternatives is key.

TreadStone, a US-based material science technology development company, has innovated and patented low-cost metal substrate coatings that have been tested and proven by the Department of Energy to successfully protect the metal substrates used in water electrolysis while simultaneously keeping the metal electrically conductive at a far superior rate than competitors. The use and application of our coatings are key to helping bring hydrogen production into a zero-emission and cheap energy state, due to solely relying on renewable sources such as solar and wind to produce the energy inflow that starts the chemical reaction of electrolysis.

TreadStone has demonstrated and proven that our coatings reduce the cost of energy production and improve the performance of hydrogen conversion due to the low contact resistance and durability. TreadStone's coatings have been proven to keep the H2 uptake as low as possible over time. While each application defines the most appropriate patented coating, TreadStone's DoT technology can be used in water electrolysis providing superior protection from hydrogen impregnation and long-term durability.