Tanaka
Tanaka Precious Metal Technologies will participate for the first time in the Hydrogen Technology World Expo in Hamburg from October 20 to 22, 2026. The focus of the trade fair appearance is on precious metal technologies for hydrogen production, gas processing, and precious metal recycling. The precious metals platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), iridium (Ir), rhodium (Rh), and ruthenium (Ru) are indispensable for many hydrogen technologies and a significant cost factor. Therefore, it is essential to use them sparingly and recycle them.
Electrode catalysts for fuel cells
Since 1985, Tanaka has been developing electrocatalysts for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEFCs) and claims to have a globally leading supply record in this area. According to their own statements, the catalysts are highly active and durable, contributing to the improvement of performance and lifespan of fuel cells.
Electrode catalysts for water electrolysis
For water electrolysis, Tanaka offers various electrode catalysts. Cathode catalysts based on Pt support the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), while anode catalysts based on Ir support the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Catalysts with a large specific surface area are designed for high activity while reducing the use of iridium, one of the rarest metals of the platinum group metals (PGM).
Hydrogen-permeable membrane
Palladium is the only metal that selectively permeates hydrogen, allowing its separation from other gases. Tanaka combines the processing of ultra-thin membranes with advanced purification technologies to produce hydrogen-permeable membranes from Pd alloys, including HPM-L111. These membranes are characterized by high hydrogen permeability and enable purification at operating temperatures of about 100 °C.
Electrodes plated with precious metals
Tanaka offers the processing of substrates and the precious metal plating of components of various shapes, including bipolar plates for use with solid polymer electrolyte membranes. Thinner coatings, partial plating, and re-plating can reduce the use of precious metals.
Reforming catalysts for hydrogen production from natural gas
Reforming catalysts based on Ru and Rh efficiently produce hydrogen from hydrocarbons (HC) such as natural gas through reaction with steam. They exhibit high reforming activity over a wide temperature range while suppressing carbon deposits. This supports a long catalyst lifespan and stable hydrogen production.
Catalysts for shift reaction and selective oxidation (PROX)
Shift catalysts use the water-gas shift reaction to convert carbon monoxide (CO) and steam into carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2), increasing hydrogen yield. Catalysts for selective oxidation (PROX) selectively oxidize the remaining CO to below 10 ppm, producing high-purity hydrogen for PEFCs. Tanaka's precious metal-based catalysts exhibit high activity even at lower temperatures, supporting more compact and efficient hydrogen processing systems.
Oxidation catalysts
Oxidation catalysts support exhaust gas treatment in fuel cell systems, particularly in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), by oxidizing combustible components such as CO, H₂, and hydrocarbons. The heat generated can be used to preheat fuel and air, improving the overall efficiency of the system.
Recovery and refining of precious metals
Tanaka recovers and refines precious metals from hydrogen-related applications. The processed precious metals can be returned to manufacturing. This supports circular resource use and stable material supply.
Tanaka can be found in Hall B7 at booth 7J54.
This article is part of the H2international Travel Guide for the Hydrogen Technology World Expo and Conference. More trade fair tips are available on the following channels:
– in the H2international newsletter on October 13, 2026. Free registration here.
– in the H2international webinar on October 14, 2026. Free registration here.
