PORTFOLIO

Fuel cells (FC) are set to transform the mobility sector by replacing traditional internal combustion engines. However, their efficiency is often reduced due to nitrogen buildup on the anode side, contaminating the hydrogen fuel. This contamination necessitates the periodic purging of 50-70% of hydrogen and nitrogen, resulting in a loss of over 600 kg of hydrogen over the typical 1.5 million km or 10-year lifespan of an FC vehicle. This process not only leads to significant economic loss and safety concerns but also impacts the environment; for instance, a single 150-kW fuel cell engine could release over 60 kg of hydrogen annually, equating to the effects of ~0.6 tons of CO2. With the fuel cell market expected to grow from 10 billion CHF to 42 billion CHF by 2030, and the number of fuel cell vehicles projected to exceed 1.2 million, annual CO2 equivalent emissions could surpass 756,000 tons. Therefore, regulations limiting hydrogen purge losses are anticipated. To address this issue, we've developed a patented gas separation device based on palladium-coated graphene membranes.
This device efficiently captures hydrogen from nitrogen-water-hydrogen mixtures through adsorptive separation, while allowing other gases to pass through. The captured hydrogen is then recycled back into the fuel cell using heat and vacuum. Our innovative membrane technology not only enables complete recovery of hydrogen, providing savings of up to 15,000 CHF per fuel cell over its lifetime, but it also significantly reduces emissions and improves safety, while providing a sustainable and economically viable solution to a critical challenge in fuel cell technology. This project addresses immediate market needs and is strategically positioned to gain value with evolving environmental policies, establishing it as a crucial advancement in sustainable mobility.

All interim and final objectives were achieved. The project delivered two validated membrane-based technologies: SEPARATIC-H ™, aimed at improving fuel cell efficiency by recovering hydrogen from purge losses, and SEPARATIC-CO ™, targeting low-energy carbon capture from flue gas, biogas upgrading, and gas separation. Key technical gaps were closed by translating advanced membrane materials into mechanically robust, condensation-free, and scalable systems suitable for real-world operation.
The project resulted in functional prototypes, extensive laboratory validation, and readiness for system-level testing. It directly led to the creation of the spin-off SEPARATIC Sàrl, supported by a signed license agreement with the University of Fribourg. Implementation activities are underway, including pilot testing preparation and scale-up toward industrial module formats.
Strong partnerships have been established with academic and industrial stakeholders, including HEIA-FR for system testing, Helbling for industrial membrane module development, and Groupe E for pilot-scale CO capture. Additional collaborations with waste-to-energy, biogas, and gas separation stakeholders are being prepared for pilot demonstrations.
The project will be continued through pilot deployments, industrial validation (TRL 6–7), and early market entry. Significant financial leverage was achieved, including an approved Innosuisse project, the UNIFR Startup grant, the Peter Bopp Stiftung implementation grant, and a Research Pool grant, ensuring sustained development beyond the project duration.