AMYLION

The challenges of decarbonization and energy independence require a reduction in the use of petroleum-based products. Proton-exchange membranes help replace hydrogen production via methane with green hydrogen derived from water electrolysis. However, these membranes are expensive and rely on technology that uses PFAS, which pollute water and soil. The Amylion project is developing low-cost, PFAS-free membranes that align with goals of competitiveness and minimal environmental impact.

Amylion offers a biosourced, functionalized membrane based on proteins derived from whey. Produced using green chemistry processes, the membranes are capable of proton or cation exchange (PEM), humidifying or drying gases. With a thickness of between 20 and 200µm, the chemically stable membranes can withstand temperatures of up to 120°C. Waterproof and gas-impermeable, they are permeable to water vapor and exhibit a dynamic vapor transmission rate equivalent to that of the petroleum-based and fluorinated materials currently in use. The membrane’s proton conductivity

• Low cost (5 to 10 times less expensive than current PFAS-based membranes)

• Green chemistry manufacturing

• Utilization of a byproduct from cheese production

• An abundant, bio-based, and biodegradable material

• Very good performance at low temperature and low humidity

A humidification system using the Amylion humidification membrane has been developed and tested in a 30x30 cm laboratory-scale setup (TRL 4). Its main characteristics were validated: its chemical, thermal and mechanical stability, as well as its long-term durability. The functionality of gas humidification was demonstrated in a planar PMMA device, integrated into the hydrogen production chain, upstream of a PEM fuel cell.

A proton exchange membrane has been developed and tested in the laboratory for use in fuel cells and electrolysers (TRL3). Its key characteristics—conductivity and gas barrier properties—have been validated.

• Hydrogen production: electrolyzer
• Electricity generation from hydrogen: fuel cell
• Gas humidification for climate chambers, fuel cells, etc.
• New process applications in green chemistry and the food industry are currently being explored.