Currently, electrolyzer catalysts primarily consist of precious metals such as platinum and iridium. Since around 85% of the world's iridium is sourced from South Africa, it implies a dependence on imported catalyst raw materials.
According to the "China Hydrogen Production Market Research Report (2021)" by TrendBank, Zhongke Kechuang can supply anode catalysts to the market in batches, aiming to reduce precious metal loading. This is done to lower the electrolyzer's cost and also prepare for the entry of foreign catalysts with lower precious metal loadings, which may impact the domestic market.
Regarding the gas diffusion layer, two types are currently used: titanium fiber felt and titanium mesh structure. The production of titanium fiber felt is gradually increasing, with imports from China being the main source, although domestic alternatives are also emerging. Domestic enterprises have the capacity to develop titanium fiber felt.
titanium fiber felt from customer
Bipolar plates, which make up a significant portion of the cost of PEM electrolyzers, are a focus for future cost reduction. Companies like Shanghai Zhizhen and Jinquanyi are actively positioning themselves in the electrolyzed water bipolar plate market, aiming to manufacture low-cost, precision-machined bipolar plate products.
Looking at the green hydrogen industry as a whole, the lack of industry standards is a primary concern. The absence of core material standards for PEM electrolysis of water affects the lifespan and performance of electrolyzers.
Another important issue is the emphasis on hydrogen energy safety. Current management measures treating hydrogen as a hazardous chemical hinder the development of the hydrogen energy industry. This restricts the overall hydrogen energy industry chain, including hydrogen transportation, storage, and downstream applications.
Additionally, national policies encourage the development of large-scale green hydrogen projects in areas rich in renewable resources and promote local consumption. The demand for green hydrogen applications provides strong support for the upstream and midstream sectors. Positive news from domestic hydrogen production-related enterprises indicates progress in key core technologies within the hydrogen energy infrastructure, highlighting the effectiveness of hydrogen energy demonstration projects on the industrial chain.
In the future, with the implementation of green hydrogen projects, standards for green hydrogen, hydrogen energy safety, and implementation specifications will become increasingly clear. Hydrogen energy is expected to be classified as a "non-hazardous chemical" for management, which will greatly promote the overall hydrogen energy industry. This will effectively resolve the "dilemma" faced by the PEM electrolyzed water supply chain.
Despite external challenges, TopTiTech remains dedicated to maintaining production quality control of titanium felt products and supplying superior products that meet market demand both domestically and internationally.
