Fluorine-free mAterialS for susTainable-by-design electrolysis Cells towards the H2-bAsed New Generation of clean Energy technologies

FASTCH2ANGE aims to pioneer a sustainable-by-design method for developing TRL4-compliant 100% PFAS-free proton exchange membrane-based electrolysis (PEMEL) cells. It will focus on developing four fluorine-free components: proton exchange membranes, catalyst-supporting layers, transport and gas diffusion layers, and new sealing components like gaskets and insulation plates.
FASTCH2ANGE will achieve this by designing, developing, and testing new PFAS-free PEMs at TRL4. These PEMs will be made using TEOS-based hybrid organic-inorganic ionomers, targeting an operating current density of 3.0 A/cm² at 1.8 V cell voltage, with a degradation rate under 5 μV/hr by 2030. Innovations in catalyst coating technologies will be explored, including an optimized ink deposition technique.
Additionally, fluoroelastomers-free liquid-gas diffusion layers will be prepared using a sol-gel process with silicon alkoxides to improve hydrophobicity and thermal stability. FASTCH2ANGE also plans to develop PFAS-free sealing components using silicon-based sol-gel formulations and advanced materials like stainless steel, polyetheretherketone, and polyphenylene sulfide, employing high-performance coatings such as diamond-like carbon and ceramic.
Hence, an advanced testing platform utilizing multisingle cells proprietary technology will test the newly developed catalyst-coated membranes (CCMs), achieving
a first-of-its-kind PFAS-free 5-cells stack with optimal components.
Harmonized European testing protocols will be used, and the cross-integrability with fuel cell technologies will be assessed in close synergy with SUSTAINCELL and EVERYWH2ERE projects.
FASTCH2ANGE new components will allow the replacement of 10-11% by weight of a new generation of electrolysis systems with harmless materials, that for the envisioned European 140 GW capacity would mean saving up to 10500 tons of PFAS crafted into PEMEL components by 2030.