Hydrogen Technologies Laboratory

Obtaining hydrogen as an energy vector.

The Hydrogen Technology Laboratory of Eurecat Labs is an innovative infrastructural engineering technology based on the design, characteristics, and validation of components, devices, and systems related to the production and use of green hydrocarbons using electrochemical and photoelectrochemical technologies.

With equipment for the study of thermal technologies (pyrolysis and gasification), the laboratory specializes in servicing and testing concepts and optimization, as well as the evaluation of the performance and characteristics of the byproducts obtained. It also offers specialized services for the evaluation of fuel cells and electrolysis cells up to 50 kW, with specialized services for long-term testing, electrochemical characterization (polarization curves, EIS, chronoamperometry, etc.), and evaluation of the performance and durability of the systems.

It also offers capabilities for the design, manufacturing, and characterization of criticalolytic components such as polymer membranes, MEAs, bipolar plates, and non-noble metal-based catalysts, in addition to thermal and fluid dynamics modeling services.

The laboratory promotes the development of emerging hydrogen production technologies, such as solar photoelectrolysis, through the design and manufacture of customized reactors, the synthesis and integration of photoelectrodes, and characterization under simulated or real sunlight conditions.

With a multidisciplinary and flexible infrastructure, the Eurecat Labs Hydrogen Technology Laboratory is also part of the employee and research center that aims to develop innovative solutions for energy transition and industrial decarbonization.

Service types

The laboratory allows for proofs of concept focused on adaptation to the client’s industrial cycle, but also generates its own unique technology. The design and construction of devices and production plants are the focus of the laboratory, as well as operational testing. Specifically, the available services include:

Waste characterization and determination of its energy potential.
Proofs of concept to determine the feasibility of applying thermochemical technologies for waste recovery (polymers, biomass, sludge, etc.).
Study of different operating conditions (reactor type, atmosphere type, temperature effect, catalysts, water vapor).
Byproduct characterization (gas, oils, and biochar) and application studies.

Methods and techniques available

Spectroscopic techniques
Permeability
Chromatographic
Electrochemical
Microscopic
Plasma
Structural characterization
Thermal and mechanical properties of materials
Thermal and fluid dynamic modeling
MEA printing and manufacturing
Simulation of real-life operating conditions
Manufacture of custom reactors and cells
Synthesis of advanced materials (catalysts, membranes, bipolar plates)
Corrosion and accelerated degradation testing
Medium-power (up to 50kW) durability and evaluation techniques

Visible Spectroscopy
Mini-VNA
Spectrum Analyzers
Data Capture
Energy Meter
Reflectometers
IR and Contact Temperature Meters
Gas Flow
Solids Flow
Particle Size Analysis
Liquid Conductivity

Immediate/Near Analysis
Kjeldhal Nitrogen Determination
Karl Fischer
Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDX)
Liquid and Gas Chromatography
NREL Method
Catalyst Synthesis
TPH Analysis
Organic Acid Analysis
VOCs
Sample Preparation (Grinding, Sieving)

Standout technologies

Tecnología propia para la evaluación y optimización de stacks de pilas y electrolizadores hasta 50kW.
Desarrollo de membranas y electrodos integrados para sistemas PEM y AEM.
Tecnologías alternativas a los metales preciosos para reducir costes y dependencia de recursos críticos.
Diseño y síntesis de membranas con propiedades personalizadas de conduc (PEC).
Fotoelectrodos y reactores PEC.
Integración de tecnologías de electroreducción de CO₂ y oxidación de anódicos alternativos (ej: glicerol).
Simulación y modelización multiphysics (CFD+térmica).
Producción de H₂ por tecnologías alternativas (plasma para microondas, pirólisis y gasificación de residuos).

Diseño, simulación, construcción y prueba de generadores de plasma inducido por microondas (patentes propias).

Gasificación
- Gasificación en continuo (con caudal y tiempo de retención ajustables)
- Catalítica in situ (catalizador en el mismo reactor que el residuo, con o sin contacto) en discontinuo
- Catalítica ex situ (catalizador en un segundo reactor, con condiciones de temperatura ajustables), steam gasification (con caudal de agua/vapor ajustable batch/continuo, etc)
Pirólisis
- Pirólisis en batch, en continuo, con catalizador in situ, ex situ, steam pyrolisis…