By Smoltek
Smoltek Hydrogen's catalyst coated substrate technology uses patented nanofiber deposition to create a porous transport electrode (PTE) with a 30x larger active surface area, ensuring nearly all of the catalyst material actively participates in the reaction. We partner with technology manufacturers throughout the PEM electrolyzer value chain to overcome the iridium bottleneck. We operate a fabless model with established manufacturing partnerships. SparkNano provides Spatial ALD technology while AGC Plasma Technology Solutions supplies PECVD systems for nanofiber growth. Our additive process uses standard industrial equipment and can be integrated into existing PTL production lines. We provide complete technology transfer packages including process specifications and quality control procedures. Our licensing model includes three components: upfront licensing fees for patent access, non-recurring engineering fees for integration support and qualification assistance, and production royalties based on net sales of products incorporating our technology. The specific terms are structured based on your application and volume requirements. We start with PTE components for PEM electrolyzers as our immediate market focus. The development roadmap includes fuel cell applications where our nanofiber technology reduces contact resistance, followed by other electrochemical systems requiring enhanced surface area and low precious metal loading. Each application builds on the same core carbon nanofiber platform. Our R&D team works directly with your engineering teams throughout the integration process. This includes design optimization for your specific applications, process parameter adjustment, qualification testing support, and ongoing technical consultation. We maintain this relationship through production and future product development. Follows a structured development process: - Technical evaluation and samples: We provide engineering samples of our PTE for your initial testing. Your technical team gets direct access to our R&D engineers to discuss performance data, manufacturing parameters, and potential applications. This stage typically involves lab-scale testing to validate basic functionality and compatibility. - Formal collaboration and feasibility study: Following positive initial results, we establish a formal collaboration agreement. This can take the form of a joint development project, feasibility study, or technical advisory agreement. We conduct detailed analysis of technical requirements, manufacturing integration, and commercial viability specific to your applications. - Licensing agreement and design integration: With proven technical and commercial feasibility, we forge a licensing partnership. You gain access to our IP portfolio, manufacturing know-how, and design documentation. Your engineering teams can then perform detailed design work and integrate our technology into your production processes. - Production support and ongoing development: Our relationship continues through commercial production. Your team retains access to our R&D specialists for technical support, process optimization, and co-development of next-generation solutions. This ensures continuous improvement and helps address evolving requirements. We cover all aspects of PTE development, providing support throughout your evaluation and implementation process: - Research basis: Our technology originates from research in carbon nanotechnology at the Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience (MC2), Chalmers University of Technology, beginning in 2000. Since Smoltek was founded in 2005, we have maintained a close collaboration with Chalmers researchers and continue using their specialized laboratory equipment for ongoing development as well as having our own R&D tools at the MC2 laboratory. - Process development: We have developed both patented methods and deep know-how for transfer our carbon nanofiber research into manufacturing processes. Our patents cover the growth and coating techniques, while our know-how encompasses the practical details needed for consistent manufacturing. This combination enables us to transfer laboratory results to industrial-scale manufacturing using standard equipment. - Manufacturing partnerships: We have established partnerships that create a seamless path from lab to commercial production. SparkNano provides Spatial ALD technology for catalyst deposition, while AGC Plasma Technology Solutions supplies PECVD systems for nanofiber growth. Our strategic collaboration with Heraeus demonstrates commercial readiness for scaling from laboratory samples to production volumes.
