Fluorine-free Water Electrolysis Development (FFWD)

The German-French joint project promotes cooperation between industry and research across national borders with the aim of developing and establishing fluorine-free materials for water electrolysis.

Based on fluorine-free polymers, FastForward is developing reinforced membranes for the production of CCMs (catalyst coated membranes) for PEM (proton exchange membrane) water electrolysis. CCMs are operated at elevated pressure (up to 100 bar) and temperature (above 100°C) compared to the state of the art in order to evaluate advantages of hydrocarbon-based materials, such as higher gas tightness and temperature stability. CCMs are tested in single cells on laboratory scale up to stack configuration. Aging tests will provide new insights into the stability and limitations of fluorine-free polymers and membranes in PEM water electrolyzers. 

The French funding body is the “Agence nationale de la recherche (ANR)”.