Materials for the hydrogen industry: our expertise supporting the energy transition
What are the challenges facing the hydrogen industry?
Making an active contribution to the global energy transition
We are dedicated to addressing the specific needs of the industry and transport sectors by offering a range of products that prioritize innovation, safety, and performance. Our mission is to promote the broader adoption of hydrogen and contribute to cleaner cities through the deployment of new hydrogen-powered transport solutions.
For optimized hydrogen production
When it comes to hydrogen production, Arkema offers high-performance solutions to optimize operations and enhance reliability.
- Our high-performance polymers Kynar® PVDF and Kepstan® PEKK: they can be used as materials for pipes and connectors in the Balance of Plant (BOP) of electrolysis units. Thanks to their excellent chemical, thermal and mechanical resistance, they guarantee a longer service life for systems, avoiding corrosion issues. As an exemple, Kynar® PVDF is used for decades in the semiconductor industry for ultra pure water transportation thanks to its outsdtanding purity.
- Siliporite® molecular sieves: these high-capacity, high-density sieves ensure efficient drying of the hydrogen produced by electrolyzers. Their structure allows the use of smaller tanks, reducing installation costs and space requirements, while improving the overall performance of production units.
Focus on liquid hydrogen storage
Storing hydrogen properly means guaranteeing a safe and efficient supply.
- On one hand, we are working to optimize the storage of liquid hydrogen, by maintaining a very high vacuum in the insulation layer of containers. Siliporite® Cryosiev molecular sieves are specifically designed to capture water vapour and other impurities present in the interstitial spaces of double-walled tanks, guaranteeing optimum insulation performance and long-term storage efficiency.
- On the other hand, we are proposing compound for the Liquid Organic Hydrogen carriers (LOHC) technology. LOHC are liquid organic chemicals capable of storing and releasing hydrogen easily and safely. Aromatic compounds such as monobenzyltoluene and dibenzyltoluene are ideal, thanks to their chemical structure capable of storing up to 6.2% by weight of hydrogen in liquid form and with a high flash point.
For safe, reliable hydrogen distribution
Our products play a variety of roles at different stages of hydrogen transport. Our materials are specifially designed to ensure safe and efficient use.
- Out of hydrogen production plants: Spotleak® mix is used to odorize the hydrogen, making it easier to detect in the event of a leak and ensuring safe, efficient transport, like that of natural gas.
- In distribution pipes: high performance Rilsan® Polyamide 11, 100% from renewable origin, is ideal for gas pipe, thanks to its low gas permeability which guarantee reliable distribution of hydrogen.
- In steel plant or power generation plant: using hydrogen or hydrogen-natural gas mixtures can significantly reduce COâ‚‚ emissions. Our Spotleak® gas odorants ensure rapid leak detection to enhance infrastructure safety.
- In tanks for trailers and heavy duty vehicles: UDX® polyamide-carbon tapes are used to wrap Type V composite pressure vessels, guaranteeing high strength and low weight for easy transport.
A comprehensive hydrogen offering for new mobilities
With our One Arkema offering, we aim at enabling the development of hydrogen-powered transport. Our advanced materials are designed to meet the needs of commercial and heavy duty vehicles. Here are a few examples of key applications.
- In hydrogen lines and connectors: Rilperm® multilayer tubes and connectors made from Rilsan® PA11 are ideal for transferring hydrogen at low or medium pressure, offering reliability and durability.
- In fuel cells: Kynar® PVDF resins are used as binder for graphitic bipolar plates allowing excellent durability of the system. Additionaly, Proton Exchange Membranes based on this same resin are being developped to meet the upcoming challenges of the next cells generation. Bostik Engineering's UV-curable adhesives and sealants ensure reliable assembly of membrane electrodes (MEAs).
- In tanks for light commercial vehicles: Piezotech® piezoelectric polymer sensors increase safety by monitoring the state of health, through defect and fatigue detection. The Rilsan® PA11 coating, combined with Elium® acrylic resin, is applied by wet winding carbon fibres for Type IV composite pressure vessels, offering strength and lightness. Clearstrength® toughening agent improves the stress crack resistance and durability of epoxy composites.
- In tank ends: low-monomer Pliogrip™ 2KPU structural adhesives ensure a durable and strong bond. Bostik adhesives are also used to secure expanded polypropylene (EPP) protective foam, enhancing the overall safety of tanks.
FAQ about hydrogen
1. What is hydrogen and where can it be found?
Hydrogen is a light, colorless and odorless gas. It is the most abundant chemical element in the universe. On Earth, it is mainly found in combined form with other elements, such as in water (Hâ‚‚O) or hydrocarbons. To obtain pure hydrogen that can be used as a source of energy, the element must be extracted, in particular through the electrolysis of water or the reforming of natural gas.
2. What is hydrogen used for today?
Hydrogen is used in several areas:
- Industry: to produce ammonia and refine petroleum.
- Transport: as a fuel for vehicles equipped with fuel cells.
- Energy: as a storage solution for electricity generated by renewable energies.
3. How can hydrogen help us reduce COâ‚‚ emissions?
Hydrogen can be an alternative to fossil fuels, as its combustion produces only water and no COâ‚‚ emissions. However, its impact depends on the production method: green hydrogen, produced using renewable energies, is completely decarbonized.
4. How does a hydrogen vehicle work?
A hydrogen vehicle uses a fuel cell to convert hydrogen into electricity, which powers an electric motor. The vehicle's only emission is water vapor. Refueling takes just a few minutes, as with conventional vehicle.
5. Is hydrogen safe to use?
Hydrogen is a flammable gas, but strict protocols and specialized materials (such as those developed by Arkema) guarantee a high level of safety. For example, sensors enable any leaks to be detected quickly, and the tanks are designed to be extremely shock resistant.
6. Why is there so much talk about hydrogen in the future?
Hydrogen is seen as a pillar of the global energy transition. It could help to decarbonize sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as heavy industry, long-distance transport and building heating, and it could play a key role in the storage of renewable energies.