Tosoh Develops Hydrocarbon Based Polymer Electrolyte for Water Electrolysis
Tokyo, Japan—Tosoh Corporation has developed a hydrocarbon‑based polymer electrolyte for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) water electrolysis systems.1 Growing interest in hydrogen energy for carbon neutrality is increasing attention on PEM water electrolysis, a leading hydrogen production technology. Conventional PEM water electrolysis, however, uses fluorinated polymer electrolyte membranes, raising issues such as fluorine’s environmental impact and low gas barrier properties that limit hydrogen production efficiency and durability.
Tosoh’s newly developed hydrocarbon‑based polymer electrolyte offers superior proton conductivity2, higher gas barrier properties and lower hydrated state swelling3 compared with conventional fluorinated polymer electrolyte materials. Tosoh anticipates that the use of its material to fabricate electrolyte membranes will improve the efficiency and durability of water electrolysis systems. The material’s proprietary molecular structure, moreover, can be flexibly modified to meet customized requirements.
Tosoh has begun providing samples of its new hydrocarbon-based polymer electrolyte to select users and is moving forward with evaluations for as early a market launch as possible. The company, meanwhile, continues its research and development on this product to further advance PEM water electrolysis and better contribute to the realization of a carbon‑neutral society.
- PEM water electrolysis produces hydrogen by electrochemically splitting water using a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM).
- Proton conductivity occurs when a substance conducts protons (H+, hydrogen ions) within an electric field.
- Swelling in the hydrated state results when a material absorbs water; the lower the swelling the better.
Who We Are
Tosoh Corporation is the parent of the Tosoh Group, which comprises over 100 companies worldwide and a multiethnic workforce of over 14,000 people. It generated net sales of ¥1,063.4 billion (US$7.0 billion at the average rate of ¥150 to the US dollar) in fiscal 2025, ended March 31, 2025.
What We Do
Tosoh is one of the largest chlor-alkali manufacturers in Asia. The Company supplies the plastic resins and an array of the basic chemicals that support modern life. Tosoh’s petrochemical operations supply ethylene, polyethylene, and functional polymers, while its advanced materials business serves the global semiconductor, display, and solar industries. Tosoh has also pioneered sophisticated bioscience systems that are used for the monitoring of life-threatening diseases. In addition, Tosoh demonstrates its commitment to a sustainable future in part by manufacturing a variety of eco-products.
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Tosoh Develops Hydrocarbon Based Polymer Electrolyte for Water Electrolysis, source
