British chemical firm Johnson Matthey has entered a long-term collaboration with German technology company Bosch to develop and manufacture catalyst-coated membranes (CCMs) for fuel cell stacks, the companies announced. The technology is aimed primarily at commercial vehicle applications.
Under the agreement, Johnson Matthey will supply its CCMs for Bosch’s integrated fuel cell power module, which is designed to be compact and scalable. The collaboration seeks to enhance the performance and efficiency of fuel cell technology, supporting wider adoption in mobility and energy sectors.
“JM is thrilled to be joining forces, exploring and developing future possibilities to accelerate cleaner mobility and energy generation,” said Anish Taneja, Chief Executive of JM Hydrogen Technologies. Beate Grota, Executive Vice President of Engineering Power Solutions at Bosch Mobility, added, “The fuel cell technology for mobile applications is technologically ready for widespread use. Our partnership aims to further increase the performance and efficiency of the fuel cell stacks.”
Johnson Matthey, historically active in energy storage, shifted its focus to fuel cell technology after selling its battery business in 2021. The company has since invested in a UK-based fuel cell component factory and announced a separate development partnership with Plug Power in 2023.
See also: Epsilon Advanced Materials Acquires Technology Center in Moosburg for LFP Cathode Production
Bosch has also been expanding its fuel cell capabilities, including research into recycling fuel cell stacks and supplying hydrogen fuel cell systems for Nikola’s trucks in Germany. While the company has primarily focused on ground-based applications, it has also introduced electric drive systems for boats and is exploring potential aviation uses.
The partnership between Johnson Matthey and Bosch reflects a broader industry push towards hydrogen-based mobility solutions, as companies seek to reduce emissions and increase energy efficiency in commercial transportation.