Green Hydrogen Research Materials for Campus Labs

To stock green hydrogen research materials for a university lab, start with what every PEM test cell needs: a proton exchange membrane, anode and cathode catalysts or catalyst-coated electrodes, a titanium porous transport layer for the electrolyzer anode, carbon paper or GDLs where carbon is suitable, gaskets, and a test fixture. Buy for your first experiment, not for every possible one, and keep materials consistent so results are comparable.

Core starter list PEM water electrolysis: membrane, anode and cathode catalysts, titanium PTL, cathode-side GDL, gaskets, test cell. PEM fuel cell: membrane, catalysts, carbon paper or GDL (with or without MPL), gaskets, test fixture. Shared: ionomer dispersion for catalyst inks, cutting tools, a hot press if you make MEAs yourself.

 

What do university hydrogen labs research?

Campus hydrogen research covers far more than one cell type. At Loughborough University, for example, work spans new materials and catalysts, electrolysis including seawater electrolysis and a battery-electrolyser demonstrator, hydrogen storage in metal hydrides, and solid oxide and direct ammonia fuel cells, according to its hydrogen research and innovation page. This guide focuses on low-temperature PEM electrolysis and PEM fuel cells, where most new campus labs start.

Green hydrogen research materials for university labs: PEM water electrolysis

Material	Role	What to check before buying
Proton exchange membrane	Conducts protons, separates gases	Thickness, size, pre-treatment needs
Anode catalyst / coated electrode	Oxygen evolution	Catalyst type and loading; supplier test data
Cathode catalyst / coated electrode	Hydrogen evolution	Catalyst type and loading
Titanium porous transport layer	Water in, oxygen out on the anode side	Thickness and porosity; research shows thinner, more porous PTLs tend to perform better at high current, but too little titanium weakens contact
Cathode-side GDL	Gas and water transport on the hydrogen side	Thickness and PTFE treatment
Gaskets	Seal and set compression	Thickness matched to PTL and GDL
Test cell / fixture	Holds and compresses the MEA	Active area, flow field, heating

 

PEM fuel cell materials

Material	Role	What to check
Membrane	Proton conduction	Thickness and size
Catalysts or catalyst-coated electrodes	Hydrogen oxidation and oxygen reduction	Type and loading
Carbon paper or GDL	Gas and water transport, electrical contact	Thickness (e.g. Toray TGP-H-060 is 190 µm, TGP-H-090 is 280 µm), PTFE, MPL
Gaskets and fixture	Sealing and compression	Matched to GDL thickness

 

For more on these layers, read our overview of membranes, catalysts and GDLs for fuel cell research.

Test hardware and fixtures

The fixture decides how evenly the MEA is compressed and how reactants reach it, so choose it before you finalise gasket and GDL thickness. Our fuel cell testing fixture setup guide covers assembly and torque.

Safety and handling

Hydrogen supply, venting, gas detection and electrical safety are the institution’s responsibility; agree them with your safety office before the first test. Ionomer dispersions and catalyst powders need their own handling rules, so read each safety data sheet and train students before they make inks.

First-order checklist for a new lab

1. Pick the first experiment: electrolysis, fuel cell or both.
2. Choose the test cell and active area first.
3. Choose membrane, catalysts and porous layers to match the cell.
4. Match gasket thickness to PTL and GDL thickness.
5. Order enough of each material for repeats from one batch.
6. Plan safety: hydrogen handling, ventilation, PPE, training.
7. Set up a materials log with batch numbers and dates.

We supply materials, not lab infrastructure, so hydrogen supply and safety systems need to be planned with your institution. Browse our PEM fuel cell and electrolyzer materials, or ask Canrd’s support team for a list tailored to your first experiment.

Frequently asked questions

What materials do I need to build a PEM electrolyzer test cell?

A proton exchange membrane, anode and cathode catalysts or coated electrodes, a titanium porous transport layer for the anode, a GDL for the cathode side, gaskets and a test cell. Choose the cell first, then match layer thicknesses and gaskets to it.

Can fuel cell and electrolyzer research share materials?

Some, such as membranes, ionomer dispersions and gaskets, can be shared if they suit both conditions. The anode side differs: the electrolyzer studies we cite use titanium PTLs there rather than fuel-cell carbon layers. Check supplier guidance for each material in each use.

What should a new hydrogen lab buy first?

Buy for your first experiment only: one test cell, the matching membrane, catalysts, porous layers and gaskets, with enough material for repeats from one batch. Add equipment and materials as your research plan grows, rather than stocking everything at once.

 

Setting up a hydrogen lab? Tell us your first experiment and cell size, and we will put together a materials list: contact us.