Acta Lauches New Range of Catalysts

Acta will over the next three weeks launch six important new catalysts for four market applications in line
with its stated milestones for 2008.  These catalysts are targeted at markets which already have a large number of potential industrial customers, representing an addressable catalyst market of over $5bn with
mass commercialisation.

HYPERMEC 10010 and HYPERMEC 10510 catalysts for hydrogen generation from ammonia

Acta is working with customers for stationary power and automotive applications who believe that ammonia represents a practical solution in the search for alternative fuels.

Acta has launched two catalysts for hydrogen generation from ammonia by reforming (using catalysts and heat to break down ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen).  The HYPERMEC 10010 contains small amounts of precious
metal and allows highly efficient conversion of ammonia to hydrogen at temperatures as low as 300oC.  The HYPERMEC 10510 catalyst is made from base metals and is therefore highly cost effective but operates at
higher temperatures.  Both catalysts offer excellent performance in comparison to currently available products, and have been developed in partnership with potential customers who will conduct trials in the second half of the year.

HYPERMEC 7010 and HYPERMEC 7520 catalysts for ammonia decomposition and waste treatment

In many industrial and agricultural environments ammonia is a pollutant which needs removal from waste streams.  Acta has developed its HYPERMEC 7010 ammonia electrolysis catalyst for room temperature hydrogen generation from ammonia, and the closely related HYPERMEC 7520 catalyst for ammonia waste treatment.

Laboratory trials at a major waste treatment customer have been progressing well.

HYPERMEC 3020 anode catalyst for water electrolysers and fuel cells

The HYPERMEC 3020 anode catalyst has been developed for the water electrolyser and fuel cell markets.
 

The HYPERMEC 3020 has been made available for general use following several months of successful trials with key customers. The new catalyst offers 25% higher power at room temperature and significantly longer durability than the 3010, launched in May 2007, which it replaces.                                                        

HYPERMEC 4020 cathode catalyst for fuel cells and zinc air batteries

The HYPERMEC 4020 cathode catalyst has been developed initially for fuel cell use but has also demonstrated promising performance in product tests for zinc air batteries. 

Customer trials of the previous cathode catalyst, K14, demonstrated significant success in terms of both performance and durability.  The new HYPERMEC 4020 cathode offers a 20% improvement in performance over
the K14.  Acta expects that many customers will transition from K14 trials to trials with the HYPERMEC 4020. 

Summary

The launch of these new catalysts is part of an ongoing programme of customer support and innovation.  Further new catalyst launches will be made in the second half of 2008 in order to complete Acta's portfolio of products for its chosen markets.

Source: Fuel Cell Today