AMYLION

The growing demand for clean energy implies a strong challenge on decarbonised energy sources among which hydrogen is showing strong growth. The Amylion project proposes a component compatible with environmental goals of green energy and electrochemistry.

Amylion offers a biosourced, functionalized membrane based on proteins derived from whey. Produced using green chemistry processes, the recyclable and biodegradable membranes are capable of humidifying or drying gases. With a thickness of between 20 and 200µm, the chemically stable membranes can withstand temperatures of up to 95°C. Waterproof and gas-barrier, they are permeable to water vapour and have a higher dynamic vapour transmission rate than the petro-sourced materials used to date.

• Abundant bio-sourced and biodegradable material

• Valorisation of a co-product

• Low cost (<10% of the cost of comparable petro-sourced products)

• Green chemistry manufacturing

• Very good performance at low temperature and low humidity

A 30x30 cm (TRL 4) demonstrator of the membrane was developed and tested in the laboratory. Its main characteristics were validated: its chemical, thermal and mechanical stability, as well as its durability over time (10h of continuous operation). The functionality of gas humidification was demonstrated in a planar PMMA device, integrated into the hydrogen production chain, upstream of a PEM fuel cell.

• Hydrogen production: fuel cell and electrolyser
• Climatic chambers
• Artificial respiration
• Processes in the agri-food industry