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Umicore and Solvay Form Fuel Cell Partnership

9 March 2006

PEM fuel cell. Source: DOE

Umicore, a leader in precious metals catalyst, and Solvay, a leader in polymer membrane technology, have agreed to form a joint venture in the research, development, production and sales of Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEA) and related compounds to be used in fuel cell applications.

The MEA is the core of a PEM fuel cell. It consists of a membrane which separates the electrode-catalyst material coated on both surfaces of the membrane to allow for the chemical transformation of fuel into electricity.

The catalytic process on the anode (oxidation of fuel) and the cathode (reduction of oxygen) sides of the membrane generate electricity, heat and oxidation waste products—water in the case of the hydrogen fuel cells targeted for automobiles.

The 50-50 joint venture, named SolviCore, will be based in Hanau, at Umicore’s main R&D site in Germany, and is due to become fully operational on 1 July 2006. The parent companies will continue their respective activities in catalysts and membranes in full ownership outside of the JV.

Umicore is a global €6.6 billion materials technology group with activities focused in four areas: Advanced Materials, Precious Metals Products and Catalysts, Precious Metals Services and Zinc Specialties. Solvay is a €8.6 billion international chemical and pharmaceutical with activities in three primary areas: Chemicals, Plastics and Pharmaceuticals.

March 9, 2006 in Fuel Cells | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

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