Electrochemical component development

Advanced electrochemical components 

Separators 

VITO is internationally recognised for its expertise in separators for electrochemical applications.  

We drive the development of top-tier products such as AGFA’s Zirfon® and other innovative membranes with tailored properties for a variety of electrochemical processes, including low gas crossover and high conductivity for electrolysis. Our advanced design and manufacturing capabilities ensure exceptional accuracy and quality in component development. 

Electrodes 

Our VITO CoRe®/VITO CaSe® Gas Diffusion Electrodes are well-established for oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) and applied for CO2 electroreduction as well as explored for metal-air batteries. Additionally, Flexitrode® offers a highly flexible electrode with a high surface area, delivering enhanced performance for your electrochemical systems. 

Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEAs) 

VITO develops advanced membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) for next-generation electrochemical systems, including innovative solid oxide electrolyser cells and novel concepts for lower-temperature electrolysis. Combining expertise in component design and lab-scale synthesis, we ensure that every assembly meets the highest standards of reliability and sustainability. 

Electrocatalysts screening

VITO’s high-throughput catalyst screening platform enables rapid identification of the most promising electrocatalysts. Collaborating with trusted catalyst developers, we ensure high selectivity and stability for your novel electrochemical processes. This, in turn, enhances the overall performance of your systems, making them more efficient and sustainable.

Why partner with VITO? 

You can rely on: 

• Innovation and expertise: Strong IP portfolio in electrochemical component development, including patents on composite electrodes produced by phase inversion, 3D-braided structure electrodes, and the membrane platform 

• Comprehensive infrastructure:

  • Industry-oriented platform for testing and characterising advanced materials and electrochemical components

  • Early-stage screening, long-term durability studies, and upscaling under harmonised and verified protocols, ensuring reproducible, high-quality results 

  • Advanced characterisation techniques, including SEM, in-situ Raman and FTIR, AFM, and online/offline product analysis via DEMS, GC(MS), and LC(MS), enabling comprehensive evaluation throughout the development process. 

• Collaborative approach: Co-development tailored to your specific needs, with a focus on scalable and sustainable solutions

Relevant research projects 

Hydrogen Production and Electrolysis 

• Hydrogen-Ammonia for Cement Industry (2026) – New project targeting H₂ and ammonia integration in cement production.

• INTENZIFHY – Development of next-gen ZIRFON membranes for green H₂ production under intermittent electrolyzer operation (VLAIO).

• HYDRA – High-throughput hydrogen production using dry cathode alkaline electrolysis (Moonshot LIS).

• HERAQCLES – Advanced AEM electrolyzers focusing on reliability, quality, circularity, low LCOH, efficiency, and scalability (Horizon Europe; Schaeffler, Michelin, VITO, HyGear, CNR, Monolithos, Exentis, John Cockerill).

• H2-MHytic – Membrane-integrated nanomesh technology for hydrogen production (VLAIO SBO; VITO, imec, Ghent University).

• HEMEL – Next-gen HEM electrolyzers using nanomesh electrodes and hydroxyl exchange membranes for high-performance green H₂ (VLAIO; Hyve, Bekaert, Colruyt, DEME, imec, John Cockerill, VITO).

• Nanotechnology for high-efficient production of green hydrogen – Investment in key infrastructure for upscaling of components

• ELYINTEGRATION – Grid-integrated, multi-megawatt high-pressure alkaline electrolyzers for large-scale energy applications (Horizon 2020, FCH JU). 

• REselyser – Pressurised alkaline electrolyzers producing hydrogen from renewable sources with high efficiency (FP7, FCH JU). 

Energy Systems and Infrastructure 

• PERFORM (PowerPlatform, 2020) – Platform infrastructure for selective electrochemical conversions.

• PROCURA – Power-to-X and carbon capture roadmap for Belgium. 

• BREGILAB – Pathways for large-scale renewable electricity expansion in Belgium.

CO₂ Conversion and Power-to-X 

• CO₂-to-Ethylene (2026) – Innovation project for CO₂ conversion to ethylene.

• TRAMPOLINe – Training program for industrial adoption of microbial electrochemical technologies. 

• FUELS-C – Cost- and energy-efficient platform producing liquid and gaseous biofuels from biogenic residues. 

• VIVALDI – Innovative bio-based CO₂ valorization chains to produce organic acids. 

• CLUE – Clustered CO₂ electrolysers for ethylene production. 

• ECOMATES – Electrochemical CO₂ conversion using selective bimetallic materials and novel process design. 

• Bac-To-Fuel – Bacterial conversion of CO₂ and renewable H₂ into biofuels. 

• BIORECO₂VER – Biological CO₂ conversion into chemical building blocks.

• LOTER.CO₂M – Low-temperature electrochemical reduction of CO₂ to methanol. 

• CATCO₂RE – Solar energy-driven CO₂ conversion to chemicals and fuels.

• CO₂PERATE – Catalytic conversion of CO₂ to formic acid.

• E2C (Interreg) – Electrons-to-chemicals platform for high-value products.