AFC Energy surges on recent testing of 'AlkaMem' technology

Hydrogen power generation technology provider AFC Energy updated the market on its proprietary ‘AlkaMem’ anionic exchange membrane development programme on Monday, as used in its high-current density alkaline fuel cell, ‘HydroX-Cell(S)’.

The AIM-traded firm said AlkaMem had delivered “market leading conductivity” within an alkaline fuel cell environment, enabling the achievement of more than one amp per centimetre square power density within the HydroX-Cell(S) testing programme.

It explained that AlkaMem was set to be a “truly disruptive technology” in the field of alkaline water electrolysis, with evidence supporting a “sizable increase” in hydrogen production efficiency.

Industrie De Nora had confirms AlkaMem performance “exceeded internal expectations” following independent validation testing at research facilities in Japan, which the board added endorsed the “significant upside potential” in alkaline water electrolysis applications.

Additional applications for AlkaMem included energy storage, it added, and confirmed that prototype membrane manufacturing capability was in place at its Surrey headquarters.

“A highly conductive and stable anionic exchange membrane opens up an array of technologies which De Nora currently have under development,” said De Nora chief technical officer Christian Urgeghe on the testing undertaken in Japan for AFC Energy.

“Based on internal De Nora testing standards, the AlkaMem membrane technology exceeded internal expectations and has demonstrated the ability to offer significantly lower voltage drop when compared to widely implemented industry standard diaphragms.”

At 1551 GMT, shares in AFC Energy were up 36.39% at 9.55p.