Zirfon Membranes: Agfa-Gevaert’s Role in Scaling Alkaline Electrolysis
Author(s): Agfa-Gevaert Team Partner Organisation: Agfa-Gevaert
Introduction
Green hydrogen has emerged as a critical enabler of industry decarbonisation—especially in hard-to-abate sectors. Of the various hydrogen production methods, Alkaline Electrolysis stands out for its high scalability and cost-effectiveness. Agfa-Gevaert contributes directly to this transition through its Zirfon membranes, a critical component in alkaline water electrolysers. This article explores how our continuous innovation ensures Zirfon remains a safe, scalable, and proven technology for the hydrogen economy.
Membranes in Alkaline Electrolysis: The Safety Barrier
In an alkaline electrolyser, the membrane plays a vital, dual role. It must act as a physical barrier between the cathode and anode, effectively preventing the crossover of hydrogen and oxygen gases to eliminate the risk of forming an explosive mixture. Simultaneously, the membrane must allow for the unhindered passage of ions, which is essential for ensuring high electrolyser efficiency and performance.
Why Zirfon? Safe, Scalable, and Proven
Zirfon membranes are engineered for safe and reliable operation, even when paired with intermittent renewable energy sources. Our market data reinforces this performance:
Proven Safety: With over 4 GW worth of Zirfon membranes sold to date and zero safety incidents in more than 15 years of industrial use, Zirfon is a mature and trusted technology.
Cost Efficiency: By using Zirfon, customers can cut the cost per kilogram of green hydrogen by more than half, making their projects more viable in a market challenged by high production costs and an immature supply chain.
Agfa-Gevaert is significantly boosting its capacity to meet the growing global demand. In September 2025, we will open the world’s largest alkaline membrane production facility, backed by an €11 million EU Innovation Fund. This new plant will have the capacity to produce 1 million m² of Zirfon membranes annually.
Innovation at the Core and CLEANHYPRO’s Role
Agfa-Gevaert’s commitment to innovation is continuous. Our ongoing Zirfon R&D efforts are focused on enhancing membrane performance to meet the evolving needs of the hydrogen industry.
The CLEANHYPRO project offers an excellent opportunity to spotlight these innovation activities. Through the consortium, Agfa is developing next-generation membranes with improved gas retention properties and membranes that allow higher electrolyser efficiency. These innovations reinforce Agfa’s position as a market leader and preferred partner in membrane technology for alkaline electrolysis, ensuring that the technology continues to evolve alongside market demand.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.