HAVER & BOECKER

H₂ production

Wire mesh for electrolysis

Water electrolysis is a central process in the production of green hydrogen and forms the basis for a sustainable supply of energy. Whether alkaline or PEM electrolysis, high-performance components are essential to achieving excellent system efficiency and durability. Wire mesh from Haver & Boecker plays an important role in this regard: we support optimum process management through customised processing solutions.

Efficient electrode material for alkaline electrolysis

In alkaline electrolysis, the choice of electrode material plays a decisive role in the performance of the electrolyser. Our range of mesh specifications can be optimally tailored to the requirements of the process at hand thanks to the different types of pre-treatment or further processing.

For example by offering:

Enhanced coating properties for optimised catalyst bonding
Increased surface area and porosity for better reaction control
Optimum flow characteristics for high surface efficiency and rapid gas removal

The preferred material is nickel fabric (2.4060/2.4066), which is characterised by high corrosion resistance and conductivity.

Depending on the specific use, other metal meshes are also suitable for use as electrode materials for electrolysers, e.g. bright steel mesh as a lower cost alternative for chlorine production. However, these are designed as consumables.

High-performance PTL structures for PEM electrolysis

A classic electrolysis stack with PEM technology comprises a multi-layer membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and bipolar plates that separate the individual cells. Wire mesh is used as a porous transport layer (PTL) and part of the MEA. It offers a number of benefits:

Efficient transport of ultra-pure water to the membrane electrode assembly (MEA)
High porosity for optimum gas diffusion
Reliable removal of gas bubbles
Corrosion resistance for long service lives
Excellent electrical conductivity
Suitable for coating with platinum and iridium

Haver & Boecker offers a wide range of wire meshes suitable for use as a PTL or GDL (gas diffusion layer). Our three-dimensional meshes, which are characterised by a mixture of high porosity and outstanding drainage capacity and enable both gas to escape and a constant inflow of water to the MEA, have proven to perform particularly well.

To improve corrosion resistance, our stainless steel mesh can also be coated with or directly made from titanium. This results in durable, high-performance components for modern PEM electrolysers.

Our expertise for your benefit

Together with our customers, we develop tailor-made wire mesh solutions to sustainably increase the efficiency of electrolysis processes. Benefit from our experience and our extensive range of high-performance materials. Further information about our wire mesh in the hydrogen economy can be found here: