Hydrogen Technology
From electrolysis to cryogenic storage to fuel cells and beyond, we’ll help you optimise and scale your hydrogen technologies.
Advanced solutions for the hydrogen economy
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As industries worldwide seek sustainable alternative energy solutions to meet 2050 climate goals, hydrogen technologies have made monumental strides in recent years. Despite this, major obstacles remain towards establishing a large scale clean hydrogen economy: controlling hydrogen production costs, enhancing storage efficiency, extending fuel cell service life and more.
See how you can tackle tough challenges across the hydrogen value chain. Boost your green hydrogen production with the help of our catalyst powder*, which is currently being developed for PEM water electrolysis. Enhance thermal efficiency in your cryogenic hydrogen storage tanks with insulative fillers that can offer key advantages over perlite. Extend fuel cell service life with the help of ceramic fibers capable of withstanding extreme thermal cycling.
Combining deep experience across energy sectors with global coverage, source of supply and engineering support, 3M offers collaborative solutions drawn from dozens of technology platforms. We’ll help you fuel the future.
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*This is an experimental or developmental product that has not been introduced or commercialised for general sale, and its formulation, performance characteristics and other properties, specifications (if any), availability, and pricing are not guaranteed and are subject to change or withdrawal without notice.
Explore hydrogen technology applications
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Unlock cost-effective, low-carbon hydrogen production. 3M offers advanced materials for PEM electrolysis, alkaline electrolysis and other applications. We’ll help you lead the clean energy transition.
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Enhance thermal efficiency and minimise boil-off rates in your cryogenic hydrogen storage tanks. 3M™ Glass Bubbles provide stronger insulation and durability than perlite at a fraction of the weight.
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Hydrogen fuel cell technology has come a long way in a short time. Explore scientific details, primary applications and key decarbonisation benefits of this vital clean energy technology.
The hydrogen value chain and ecosystem
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- The hydrogen value chain comprises five main stages:
- 1. Energy source: The energy used to produce clean hydrogen. Chief sources are natural gas, renewables and nuclear.
- 2. Production: Methods of making hydrogen, labeled by color. Methane steam reforming (gray and blue hydrogen) and methane pyrolysis (turquoise hydrogen) use natural gas as a feedstock. Water electrolysis can be powered by renewable energy (green hydrogen) or nuclear energy (pink hydrogen).
- 3. Transforming: Converting raw hydrogen into a usable form via gas separation, compression, liquification and other processes.
- 4. Storage and distribution: Global, regional and local networks designed to get clean hydrogen where it’s needed, plus the fueling infrastructure and cryogenic storage tanks needed for end use.
- 5. Hydrogen use: The vast world of hydrogen applications, from fuel cell vehicles and urban heating to steel production, ammonia production and more.
- At every stage, deep knowledge of materials science is key to optimising efficiency and providing long term reliability. 3M is constantly exploring solutions to help you tackle tough challenges from hydrogen production to storage to usage and beyond.
News, events and articles
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3M Forward: Delivering science-based innovations at scale to address global challenges (US, English)Dec 1, 19013M is harnessing science-based innovations at scale to create more sustainable homes, businesses and communities.
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Dec 1, 1901A material 3M has been working on for decades could be key to unlocking cost-effective production of green hydrogen, a promising but expensive renewable fuel source.
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3M is expanding research and development into emerging technologies focused on decarbonisation and renewable fuels.Dec 1, 1901 -
Dec 1, 19013M glass bubbles are being used for the first time on a massive industrial scale as insulation for NASA’s new liquid hydrogen storage tank.
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Dec 1, 1901Based on the published literature record, this document provides an overview of the research and development of glass bubbles bulk-fill thermal insulation systems for cryogenic equipment in general and, in particular, for large-scale cryogenic liquid hydrogen (LH2) storage spheres.
✓ Inspiration for the latest design challenges
✓ Tailored updates for your industry needs
✓ The latest white papers, webinars and new product launches from 3M
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Our commitment to hydrogen and renewable energy technologies
- 3M has long been a leader in hydrogen technologies. 3M™ Glass Bubbles have been used by NASA for years in their cryogenic storage applications, and our nanostructured catalyst powder was made possible through decades of research and generous support from the U.S. Department of Energy. Download the timeline (English, PDF, 116 KB).
- Hydrogen technologies are one way 3M is empowering customers to help them meet their climate goals. Our solutions — from renewable energy to vehicle electrification, energy efficiency, waste reduction and more — can help you deliver scalable impacts in critical industries. Read the 3M 2023 Global Impact Report (English, PDF, 10.2 MB).
- We’re currently applying longstanding expertise in membrane separation technologies to explore applications in low-carbon energy separations. Membrane separations are established technologies across numerous sectors — many of which 3M helped advance. They have potential to help optimise and scale up decarbonisation technologies including renewable fuel and carbon capture. Contact us to learn more.
Helping you power the hydrogen economy
3M has a long history of innovation in hydrogen technologies. Our engineers will collaborate bench-to-bench with you to address your precise design needs.
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