Where platinum sits in an electrolyzer
A PEM electrolyzer splits water at two electrodes across a proton-exchange membrane (the MEA):
Two electrodes, two catalysts
- Cathode (HER) — makes hydrogen. Catalyst: platinum (typically Pt/C). ← our product
- Anode (OER) — makes oxygen. Catalyst: iridium-based oxides.
We're honest about scope: our nano-platinum is the HER (cathode) catalyst. It doesn't replace the anode iridium — but the cathode platinum is still a real cost and supply item, and better platinum utilization directly reduces it.
Why nano-platinum — platinum utilization
Catalysis happens on the surface. The finer and more dispersed the platinum, the higher its specific surface area, so every gram exposes far more active sites. That means you can reach target performance with less platinum per unit of electrolyzer capacity — a direct lever on stack cost and the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH).
The scale — and the cost pressure — is real
Per the China Hydrogen Development Report 2026 (National Energy Administration & NDRC): China's renewable-powered hydrogen capacity in operation doubled in one year to over 250,000 t/yr (53% of global capacity), with water electrolysis as the main route and PEM systems already deployed at the 50 MW scale — while production-side hydrogen prices keep falling. Globally, overseas electrolyzer manufacturing capacity has passed 30 GW. Every gram of cathode platinum in that build-out is a cost line — which is exactly what platinum utilization attacks.
Grades & forms
| Grade | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Nano-platinum (unsupported) | Fine, dispersed nano-Pt powder for catalyst inks | Available |
| Carbon-supported Pt (Pt/C) | Pt on conductive carbon — improved dispersion & conductivity | In development |
| Form | Powder; dispersion / catalyst ink on request | — |
Applications
Where it's used
- PEM / AEM electrolysis MEAs (green-hydrogen production)
- Water and (with appropriate system design) seawater-derived electrolysis
- PEM fuel-cell electrodes
- Research & catalyst development (gram-scale samples)
Request a sample & the specifications
Tell us your application (electrolyzer, MEA, fuel cell or research). We'll send a sample and the material data for your team to evaluate.
Request a sample →Request a sample & technical data
Tell us your application — a real person replies within 1–2 business days.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the anode or cathode catalyst?
It is the cathode catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In PEM electrolysis the anode oxygen-evolution reaction uses iridium-based catalysts; our nano-platinum is for the platinum (cathode) side.
Why does nano-scale platinum matter?
Catalysis is a surface effect. High specific surface area means more active sites per gram of platinum, so you can hit target performance with less platinum — lowering stack cost and the levelized cost of hydrogen.
What are the exact specifications and price?
Particle size, BET surface area, purity and pricing are provided on request with a Certificate of Analysis and, where available, independent test reports. Gram-scale evaluation samples are available.
Can you supply carbon-supported Pt/C?
A carbon-supported grade for improved dispersion and conductivity is in development; contact us for availability.
※ General technical information. Specifications are provided on request and should be validated for your application; MEA/stack performance depends on formulation, loading and operating conditions. Third-party brand references are for general context only.