Chemours Nafion™ Proton Exchange Membrane: High-Performance Material Paving a New Path for "Green Hydrogen"

Although systems using alkaline membranes have lower costs, they tend to suffer from performance issues in renewable energy applications. In alkaline electrolyzers, hydroxide ions supported on the membrane respond slowly to current input, limiting electrochemical reactions and resulting in low current density. The membrane’s porous structure allows hydrogen and oxygen to diffuse and mix at low densities, narrowing its safe operating range. Conventional electrodes used in alkaline electrolyzers often feature limited surface area, low catalyst utilization, and associated voltage losses. These issues lead to low power density and necessitate larger systems to support the electrodes. Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Water Electrolysis In this process, the PEM conducts protons from the anode to the cathode while providing electronic insulation for the electrodes. When a potential difference (voltage) is applied across the two electrodes, water molecules at the anode lose electrons to generate oxygen and protons; the protons migrate through the proton-conducting membrane to the cathode, where they combine with electrons to form H₂. The PEM permits only positively charged ions to pass through to the cathode. It exhibits excellent chemical stability, proton conductivity, and gas separation capability. As a solid electrolyte, the PEM effectively prevents gas crossover and electron transfer, enhancing electrolyzer safety. Compared with alkaline electrolyzers, PEM water electrolyzers offer numerous advantages: √ Operation at high current densities, thereby reducing costs—especially beneficial for systems integrated with highly variable renewable energy sources (e.g., wind and solar), as PEM electrolyzers’ rapid response enables capturing transient peak energy for green hydrogen production. √ Use of a polymer-based proton exchange membrane with a dense structure, enabling thinner membranes suitable for high-pressure operation. √ Higher energy efficiency due to lower resistive losses in the proton exchange membrane. √ Lower gas permeability, yielding very high gas purity—critical for safe storage and direct use in fuel cells. √ No corrosive chemicals required during hydrogen production, making it environmentally friendly. Compared with alkaline electrolyzers, PEM electrolyzers occupy significantly less space because they operate at higher current densities. The footprint required for alkaline water electrolysis can be up to ten times larger than that for PEM water electrolysis—making PEM electrolysis an excellent choice for customers with space constraints. PEM water electrolysis represents an innovative hydrogen production pathway, offering clear technological advantages as a clean and efficient method. Moreover, as technology advances, system costs have decreased substantially. With the global decarbonization drive accelerating, PEM electrolysis…

Chemours Opteon™ XL41 (R-454B) Refrigerant Wins 2023 AHR Innovation Award

Recently, the International Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigerating Exposition (AHR Expo)—a premier industry event co-hosted by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI)—announced the winners of its 2023 Innovation Awards. Chemours’ Opteon™ (Optron™) XL41 (R-454B) refrigerant stood out among hundreds of global entrants, earning the Innovation Award in the ‘Air Conditioning’ category. It is the sole winner in this product category. The AHR Expo, established in 1930, attracts numerous global HVAC&R professionals and industry experts annually and serves as a key source for new products and ideas in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration sectors. To recognize creative and original products in the refrigeration and HVAC industries, the AHR Expo established the Innovation Awards. Winners are selected by an independent panel of ASHRAE members, evaluating entries based on multiple criteria including innovative design, creativity, application, value, and market impact.

Chemours Reports Major Sustainability Gains, Cutting Emissions and Boosting Safety in 2025 Report

Aug 25, 2026

Chemours released its 2025 Sustainability Report, highlighting an 80% reduction in fluorinated organic chemical emissions and a 57% cut in greenhouse gases since 2018. The company also reported zero major safety incidents while developing energy-efficient cooling innovations.

Pluang

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Chemours' Fayetteville Works Earns Gold-Level WHC Conservation Certification for Environmental Excellence

2026-04-18

Chemours Company Receives Average 'Hold' Recommendation from Brokerages

2026-04-21

Chemours' West Virginia Forest Partnership Delivers Measurable Climate and Community Impact After Five Years

2026-04-21

Chemours to Release Q1 2026 Results May 5, Host Webcast

2026-04-22

Activists Demand No-Mining Pledge Near Okefenokee Swamp from Chemours