Ultra-thin, uniform platinum coating for PTLs in PEM electrolysers

In the rapidly evolving market for PEM electrolyzers, porous transport layers (PTLs) made of titanium are increasingly recognized as a key component. Titanium offers several advantages over other metals, such as stainless steel.

In particular, it is its durability in oxygen-rich environments, such as those found in PEM electrolyzers. During anodization, titanium naturally forms resistant oxides. However, without a protective layer, the interfacial resistance increases, leading to efficiency losses and accelerated degradation.

The platinum coating on titanium PTLs has a wide range of positive effects 

Platinum coatings on titanium PTLs address this issue, thereby improving the performance and lifetime of the electrolyzer. Using an advanced electrochemical deposition process, highly uniform and ultra-thin coatings can be produced, which have a particularly positive impact on efficiency, durability and total cost of ownership.

Our PLATUNA^® sets new standards for functional nanometer-scale platinum coatings for PEM electrolysers. The coating thickness, opacity and homogeneity are exceptional and cannot be achieved with other coating methods.

PLATUNA^® is suitable for all PTL types and is already being successfully used as a 30 or 50 nm platinum coating. It is deposited directly onto the porous titanium structures.

Compared to competing coating technologies, our electrochemical process is characterized by more precise application and a surface coverage of >85%.

Ultra-thin functional coatings are often associated exclusively with PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) technology. However, our PLATUNA^® demonstrates that, with the right electrolyte and the necessary expertise, electrochemical deposition of porous titanium PTLs is not only possible but is often superior in terms of quality, scalability and cost-effectiveness.

Electrochemical deposition is qualitatively superior to the dry process 

Thanks to the significantly better throwing power of our electrolyte in the wet process, quality issues can be avoided, such as:

• Local variations in thickness
• Shadowing effects
• Large uncoated areas

This effectively eliminates the risk of corrosion hotspots and early PTL failure. At the same time, the homogeneous deposition – which is not limited to the line of sight – results in improved electrical performance.

Electroplating – by far the most cost-effective process in many respects 

Electrolytic platinum deposition on PTLs is considered the most cost-effective process during ongoing operation. This is primarily due to the comparatively low energy requirements and the moderate investment and maintenance costs for the process infrastructure. Furthermore, because of the very high processing speed, the space requirements are lower, meaning that significantly less production floor area is required, which can also offer financial advantages.

In addition, depending on the use of platinum, precious metal costs can be reduced by well over half. While many providers remain limited to a layer thickness of 100–200 nm due to the limitations of the process described above, PLATUNA^® makes it possible to achieve the benefits of a platinum coating with a layer thickness well below 100 nm.

Thanks to our decades of experience in the development of electrolytes as well as in the industrial application of electrochemical coating processes, Umicore MDS is a reliable partner for the platinum coating of components for PEM electrolysers.

With us, you have an experienced partner for innovative platinum coatings in PEM electrolysers at your side

We would be pleased to evaluate the possibilities of our electrolytic process together with you. Upon request, we can also provide a test coating for your components. Please feel free to contact us.