Advanced materials expertise for the full hydrogen supply chain
Hydrogen is a great alternative energy carrier, poised to play a vital role in the transition to low or zero-carbon energy. It is capable of storing surplus renewable energy, and used for a wide range of applications, from mobility to heavy industries. In fuel cells, hydrogen undergoes an electrochemical reaction with oxygen, generating electricity and yielding nothing but water and heat as byproducts.
Over the years, Alleima has built up extensive experience in the development of products and solutions for hydrogen applications. As a leading materials technology partner, we are in the forefront of advancing and industrializing the use of hydrogen across a wide range of applications.
Easy to store and use
Hydrogen offers a solution to storage issues faced by other renewables, like solar, while supporting emissions reduction across various sectors. However, hydrogen embrittlement remains a challenge, particularly in high-strength materials used for construction. As hydrogen atoms diffuse into the material, they can weaken its structure, making it brittle and prone to cracking.
Resisting hydrogen embrittlement
Hydrogen embrittlement can be especially challenging in high-pressure applications. Other material challenges involve metal dusting in heat exchangers (coolers, reformers) during hydrogen production. Alleima has specific grades to address those issues.
Today, the focus is on forging partnerships where our materials expertise can make a significant impact – from initial product prototypes with fuel cells, for example, to full-scale industrial production. As materials experts, we are part of driving positive change in this field.
"The promise of hydrogen lies not just in its energy potential, but in how we engineer the materials around it. That’s where the future begins."
Applications:
- Production: Electrolyzers (PEM & Alkaline), steam methane reformers
- Distribution: Pipelines, high-pressure refueling infrastructure
- Utilization: Fuel cell vehicles, compressors, and heat exchangers
Key products and grades:
- Tubing: Alleima® 3R60, HP120, HP160 (high-pressure applications)
- Coated strip for fuel cells: Sanergy™ LT (PEMFC), Sanergy™ HT (SOFC)
- Heat exchanger alloys: Sanicro® 70, Sanicro® 61
- Bars and hollow bars: Alleima® 3R60, HighN50
- Services: On-site tubing container, tube bending, coning/threading, engineered heat exchangers
