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Naco Pt & Naco ICR: Innovative Nano-Coatings for Enhanced Efficiency and Cost Savings

Written by Polina Martinuka
Published August 13th, 2024
4 min read

Summary

Their innovative coatings are applied up to ten times faster than traditional methods, resulting in thinner, denser, and more homogeneous layers. Naco Technologies serves various industries, including automotive and energy, providing solutions that protect against aggressive environments and extend the lifespan of hydrogen systems.
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Details

Name
Naco Pt & Naco ICR
Date of establishment
2020
Organization

Deep dive

Products

"OUR SOLUTIONS

Electrical stability, anti-corrosion, and catalyst nano-coatings"

Source: naco.tech

  1. Naco Pt Platinum-Based Coatings: specialized nano-coatings designed for hydrogen energy systems, particularly electrolyzers and fuel cells. These coatings optimize the use of platinum, a critical but expensive material in these systems, by enhancing its catalytic activity and reducing the overall quantity needed. The result is improved efficiency and durability of the systems, lowering costs and increasing the viability of hydrogen as a clean energy source.

    Application

    Bipolar plates (BPP)

    Material

    Pt 99.99%

    Thickness, nm

    30 - 100

    Loading, mg/cm²

    0.07 - 0.22

    Substrate material

    Any metal

    Substrate thickness, mm

    0.05 - 4

    Corrosion current, μA/cm²

    < 0.69

    Open circuit voltage (OCV), V

    0.8

    Interfacial contact resistance (ICR), mΩ·cm²

    < 4

    ICR after 6 hours, mΩ·cm²

    < 4

    Source: naco.tech

  2. Naco ICR Bimetallic Nitride Coatings: A combination of two metals with nitrides, these coatings offer superior durability and resistance to corrosion, making them ideal for long-term use in hydrogen systems. They are designed to improve the internal corrosion resistance (ICR) of components within hydrogen systems, such as fuel cells and electrolyzers. This coating significantly reduces corrosion, thereby extending the lifespan of these components and enhancing their overall durability. By improving ICR, Naco ICR contributes to more reliable and long-lasting hydrogen energy systems, supporting the broader adoption of green hydrogen technologies.

    Application

    Cathode

    Material

    Bimetallic nitride with top layer

    Thickness, nm

    300 – 600

    Substrate material

    Any metal

    Substrate thickness, mm

    0.05 – 4

    Open circuit voltage (OCV), V

    0.8 V

    Interfacial contact resistance (ICR), mΩ·cm²

    < 2

    ICR after 6 hours, mΩ·cm²

    < 2 mΩ·cm²

    ICR after 24 hours, mΩ·cm²

    < 2 mΩ·cm²

    Source: naco.tech

Key Features

  • High Electrical Conductivity: Naco’s coatings improve the efficiency of electron flow within the system.

  • Corrosion Resistance: These coatings significantly reduce the rate of degradation due to harsh operating environments.

  • Catalytic Efficiency: Enhanced surface activity allows for better reaction rates in electrolyzers and fuel cells.

Awards

  • Hydrogen Future Award (2023) at the Wolves Summit in 2023. This recognition highlights the company's innovative contributions to the hydrogen energy sector, particularly its advanced nano-coating solutions that enhance the efficiency and durability of hydrogen systems.

  • Latvian Startup Awards (2023): Naco Technologies won the Breakthrough category at the inaugural Latvian Startup Awards, recognizing its innovative contributions to the startup ecosystem in Latvia.

  • EIC Accelerator Grant (2023): The company was awarded a prestigious EIC Accelerator grant of €2.3 million. This grant supports Naco Technologies in its mission to revolutionize green hydrogen production by developing specialized nanocoatings that reduce reliance on precious metals like platinum.

  • Recognition as a Promising Startup: Naco Technologies has been nominated for Riga's Startup of the Year by the Business Riga Awards, highlighting its impact and potential in the startup community

How does Naco Technologies' compare to other solutions

Faster Application: Naco Technologies' nano-coating process is up to ten times faster than conventional methods. This increased speed leads to higher productivity and more efficient manufacturing processes.

Material Savings: The technology reduces the dependency on expensive materials such as platinum by developing specialized coatings that use alternative materials. This results in significant cost savings for hydrogen system manufacturers.

Improved Coating Quality: The nano-coatings provided by Naco Technologies are thinner, denser, and more homogeneous compared to traditional electroplating methods. This enhances the durability and performance of components such as PEM water electrolyzer bipolar plates.

Protection Against Aggressive Environments: The nano-coatings are designed to protect hydrogen systems from aggressive conditions, thereby extending their operational lifespan and reducing maintenance needs.

Diverse Applications: Naco Technologies serves a broad range of industries, including automotive, electronics, and energy. Their coatings are used in components like stainless steel, titanium, and catalyst-coated membranes for electrolyzers and fuel cells.

Innovation and IP Security: The company provides solutions with secure intellectual property, ready for industrialization, allowing manufacturers to scale up hydrogen system production without facing material or competitive constraints.

Pricing

The pricing is not disclosed publicly. However, they highlight the company's focus on advanced nano-coatings for hydrogen systems and recent funding achievements, which may indicate a commitment to scaling operations and potentially adjusting pricing strategies in the future.

For accurate and detailed pricing information, it would be best to contact Naco Technologies directly through their official website.


Polina Martinuka
Written by:
Polina Martinuka
Sustainability Research Analyst
Recently graduating from a university in the UK, with a Bachelor's degree in Multimedia Journalism, Polina brings a unique blend of investigative skills, the ability to analyze complex data and environmental awareness.