CeramHyd and Picodeon cooperates on the manufacture catalyst for fuel cells

September, 30, 2008

Ceram Hyd, a leading developer of low temperature ceramic proton exchange membranes and membrane electrode assemblies for use in electorlyzer and fuel cell applications, has contracted Picodeon Ltd Oy, to develop nanotechnological solutions for Ceram Hyd’s fuel cell manufacturing process with the aim of a speedy introduction of key hydrogen technologies to the mass market.
 
According to the contract signed today, Picodeon and Ceram Hyd will work towards a new catalyst deposition method, based on Picodeon’s Coldab™ laser ablation technology, which is expected to reduce drastically the catalyst loadings required  thus improving the production economics and the quality of the resulting membrane electrode assemblies. The high costs associated to fuel cell and electrolyzer catalysts have long been known to be a serious impediment to the large scale deployment of these technologies.
 
“I am very excited to enter into cooperation with Picodeon, whose unique approach to laser ablation allows us to optimise the catalyst nanostructure of our fuel cell and electrolyzer solutions”, says Dr. Tarek Nassar, CEO of Ceram Hyd.  “Our contract with Picodeon provides us with an option to license Picodeon’s patented technologies that will give us a clear competitive edge when it comes to the economies of our manufacturing process”, he continues.  
 
“Partnering with Ceram Hyd allows us to deploy our solutions to the rapidly emerging hydrogen based energy market”, says Mr. Juhani Paakkonen, CEO of Picodeon. “It is the market of the future that we definitely want to be in. Our partnership with an important solution provider such as Ceram Hyd significantly expedites the time to market for Picodeon’s key technology and solutions.”
 
Ceram Hyd Finland Oy develops innovative ceramic proton exchange membranes (CeraPEM) and ceramic membrane electrode assemblies (CeraPEM MEAs).

Picodeon develops and manufactures the world’s most modern functional or decorative thin film coating solutions using its proprietary Coldab™ nanotechnology. The resulting functional smart layers and novel new materials enable huge benefits to a large number of industries, including energy, construction, optics, medical, automotive and sensors/semiconductors.
 
For additional information, contact Mr. Tarek Nassar, CEO of CeramHyd, tarek.nassar[ ]ceram.hyd.com, +358 44 251 2759 or Mr Juhani Pääkkönen, CEO of Picodeon, juhani.paakkonen [ ] picodeon.com, +358 400 508 727.