AEM porous transport layers must carry current while preserving the open structure needed for water and gas transport. SydroALK™ is being developed to protect these metallic contact surfaces against alkaline corrosion and passivation that can increase resistance during operation.

The Ni-based PVD coating route can be configured for stainless steel or nickel PTLs. Current development capability covers coating thicknesses of 0.1–5 μm and substrates up to 300 × 600 mm. Deposition conditions and thickness are selected around porous geometry, electrical contact requirements and the need to retain transport pathways.

For PTL suppliers and AEM stack manufacturers, this provides a focused route to evaluate surface protection without treating a porous component like a solid plate. Sydrogen supports application review, coating development and agreed electrical, adhesion and alkaline-corrosion assessments before manufacturing implementation.

SydroALK™ is open for co-development, with performance subject to component and operating-condition validation. Share your PTL material, structure, alkaline environment and durability targets to define representative samples and an evaluation plan.