The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) awarded a $7,495,491 Cooperative Agreement to 3M Company's Government Markets Division to develop ultra-low iridium loading and ultra-durable oxygen evolution reaction (OER) powder catalysts for proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolyzers. The project, funded under EERE's Renewable Energy Research and Development Program (CFDA 81.087), aims to advance PEM electrolyzer technology and reduce the amount of iridium required to meet efficiency and lifetime targets by approximately 64 times compared to current commercial technology. The expected outcome is the validation of one or more electrocatalysts that can enable significant improvements in PEM electrolyzer performance and cost-effectiveness. The award has a performance period from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2026.
Generated 3/25/25, 3:02 AM