PEM Electrolyzers
Surface coatings that improve durability and conductivity in PEM electrolyzer components.
Coatings for electrolyzer components that support reliable hydrogen production
PEM electrolyzers split water into hydrogen and oxygen, and their components operate under extreme corrosive and electrical stress. Bipolar plates, porous transport layers and current collectors can oxidize and form insulating layers, reducing efficiency and driving higher losses.
Ultra-thin PVD noble metal coatings stabilize these surfaces, secure conductivity and limit metal dissolution. The efficient material use, strong adhesion and customizable structure make them well suited for modern electrolyzer designs that need predictable performance, durability and cost control.
Protecting electrolyzer components under extreme operating conditions
PEM electrolyzers expose metal components to high voltages, oxygen evolution and aggressive acidic environments. Bipolar plates and porous transport layers can corrode, oxidize or dissolve, creating insulating layers that raise resistance and reduce stack efficiency.
Manufacturers must balance durability targets with material costs, coating thickness and precious metal use. OEMs and system suppliers need surface solutions that offer stable conductivity, strong corrosion protection and predictable performance across long operating cycles.
Ionbond’s coating services for advanced electrolyzer components
Ionbond supplies PVD coatings that stabilize metallic surfaces in PEM electrolyzers and support reliable and efficient hydrogen production. Our portfolio includes noble metal coatings designed for bipolar plates, porous transport layers and other critical components where conductivity and corrosion protection are essential.
Engineering teams work closely with customers from sampling to large-scale production, tuning coating thickness and composition for each anode or cathode requirement. With batch and inline capacity worldwide, Ionbond offers predictable quality, efficient use of precious metals and proven support for OEMs and system suppliers developing next generation electrolyzer stacks.
Why choose Ionbond coatings for electrolyzers?
Ionbond coatings offer key benefits for electrolyzer components.
Enhanced durability
Our coatings protect against corrosion, oxidation, and dissolution, ensuring reliable performance over long cycles.
Superior conductivity
They maintain stable conductivity, supporting efficient hydrogen production and minimizing resistance.
Scalable solutions
Ionbond provides both customized and high-volume production capabilities for electrolyzer components.
Proven reliability
Trusted by OEMs and PEM system suppliers for consistent, high-quality coatings.
Cost efficiency
Our coatings optimize the use of precious metals while delivering durable, high-performance results.
PVD precious metal coatings for PEM electrolyzers
PEM electrolyzer components require conductive surfaces that remain stable under high potentials and aggressive acidic conditions. Conventional substrates can oxidize and form insulating layers, which reduce efficiency and accelerate degradation.
Ionbond applies ultra-thin PVD precious metal coatings, such as platinum or gold, to stabilize metallic bipolar plates and porous transport layers. Even at thicknesses of only tens of nanometers, these coatings deliver high electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and long-term durability under demanding operating conditions.
Ionbond also enables efficient deposition of expensive materials through advanced cathode design. This approach reduces the initial investment in target material while supporting uniform, repeatable coating performance. We also offer joint development projects to add conductive or catalytic properties to surfaces and porous structures using PVD.
Compared with electroplating, PVD can reduce precious metal consumption while achieving strong adhesion, uniform coverage, and scalable production. Coating and interlayer thicknesses are tailored for anode and cathode needs, balancing performance, lifetime, and cost targets.
Questions?
Discuss your challenges with Joris Ummels
Joris Ummels, Global Segment Manager Decarbonization, will be glad to support you.
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Joris Ummels
Global Segment Manager Decarbonization
Joris Ummels
Global Segment Manager Decarbonization