TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: Platinum-Free Hydrogen Catalyst
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), under the Department of Energy, has issued a Special Notice for a Technology Licensing Opportunity for its Platinum-Free Hydrogen Catalyst. This innovative technology enables high-performance hydrogen production using earth-abundant materials, offering a cost-effective and durable alternative to systems reliant on scarce precious metals like platinum. This notice is an invitation for companies to explore licensing agreements for this patent-pending invention, not a call for external services. Expressions of interest are encouraged by April 30, 2026.
Technology Overview
The Platinum-Free Hydrogen Catalyst addresses the challenge of high-cost and supply chain volatility associated with precious metals in anion-exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolyzers. By engineering a porous transport layer–supported nickel–molybdenum–phosphide (NiMoPx) catalyst, LANL has achieved performance comparable to platinum–ruthenium systems (3 A/cm² at 1.84 V) with significantly improved durability (2.5× longer life in 100-hour testing). This eliminates the need for precious metal cathode catalysts, reducing material costs and critical mineral supply risks.
Key Advantages
- Precious-metal-free performance: Matches platinum–ruthenium cathode performance in AEM electrolyzers.
- Enhanced durability: Demonstrates 2.5× longer life compared to PtRu catalysts.
- Lower cost: Replaces platinum with earth-abundant nickel and molybdenum.
- Supply chain advantage: Minimizes reliance on scarce, globally concentrated precious metals.
- OEM-compatible and scalable: PTL-supported architecture suitable for industrial AEMWE platforms.
Market Applications
Potential applications include Hydrogen Production & Industrial Gas Supply, Energy & Power Generation, Oil, Gas & Refining, Chemical & Fertilizer Manufacturing, Metals & Industrial Processing, and Transportation & Infrastructure.
Licensing Information
This technology is at TRL 3 and is US patent pending. LANL's licensing program aims to move inventions to commercial innovations through exclusive and non-exclusive licensing agreements. This is not a call for external services for technology development.
Timeline & Contact
- Published: April 15, 2026
- Response Date (for licensing inquiries): April 30, 2026
- Agency: Department of Energy, Los Alamos National Laboratory (TRIAD - DOE CONTRACTOR)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Contact: licensing@lanl.gov