MATCATH2.0 · Matteco PGM-free Cathodes for Next Generation Hydrogen Production

The European Union's ambitious 2030 target for renewable hydrogen production is impeded by the cost-efficiency of current electrolysis technologies. The prevalent use of bare nickel substrates or those coated with costly platinum-group metals (PGMs) and critical raw materials (CRMs) in cathodes often leads to contamination and instability, resulting in substantial efficiency losses. These issues, exacerbated by the high costs and complexities of traditional catalyst coating methods, highlight the critical need for innovative solutions to advance electrolysis technology and achieve the EU's hydrogen production targets.Matteco is at the vanguard of revolutionizing hydrogen production with the development of PGM-free cathodes that utilize advanced, earth-abundant catalyst materials and a proprietary substrate coating method. This innovation is set to achieve a significant 75% reduction in cathode costs and a 20% decrease in the Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH), aligning with the EU's goals for decarbonization, CRM reduction, and circular economy promotion. Matteco's cathodes are engineered to outperform existing PGM-based alternatives, ensuring sustainable production, longer component life, and recyclability at end-of-life.The MATCATH2.0 project represents Matteco's strategic commitment to advance our novel thermal reductive catalyst activation process for cathodes at a commercial scale. Through stringent quality control and extensive internal and external testing with potential customers, Matteco will validate the cathodes' exceptional performance and stability. Advancing from TRL 4 to TRL 6, MATCATH2.0 will ensure a scalable and cost-effective production method, drawing on product validation and customer feedback. With a 36-month timeline and a 2,49 M€ investment, MATCATH2.0 is poised to propel the hydrogen economy towards a more sustainable and economically viable future.