Evonik’s Innovation Factory inaugurated the Evonik AEM Center Shanghai, a dedicated application technology center focused on advancing Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) electrolysis technology. The new facility will test and optimize Evonik’s high-performance DURAION® membranes under real-world operating conditions, supporting the commercialization of green hydrogen technologies in China and global markets.
As Evonik’s first AEM-focused technology center in Asia, the facility represents a significant step in the company’s strategy to accelerate the adoption of next-generation hydrogen production technologies and strengthen collaboration with customers and partners across the hydrogen value chain.
Supporting Commercial Deployment of DURAION® Membranes
At the heart of the new center is the evaluation and optimization of DURAION® anion exchange membranes, which are manufactured at commercial scale in Marl, Germany. By testing the membranes under actual operating conditions, Evonik aims to ensure they meet the specific performance requirements of regional customers while accelerating their deployment in industrial-scale electrolysis systems. The facility will also provide valuable operational insights that help improve membrane efficiency, durability, and long-term reliability across a wide range of hydrogen production applications.
Strengthening Customer Collaboration and Market Responsiveness
According to Jack Zhang, Vice President and General Manager Asia Pacific for Evonik’s High Performance Polymers business line, the new center significantly enhances the company’s ability to serve the rapidly expanding hydrogen market.
“With the establishment of the Evonik AEM Center Shanghai, we are significantly strengthening our ability to address the rapidly growing hydrogen-applications market in China and beyond. Being close to customers and partners allows us to better align our AEM technology with market needs, accelerate adoption, and scale up hydrogen solutions for commercialization worldwide,” he said. By establishing a local innovation hub, Evonik can respond more quickly to customer requirements while fostering stronger collaboration throughout the hydrogen ecosystem.
Collaborative Hub for AEM Electrolysis Development
Beyond membrane testing, the Shanghai center will serve as a collaborative platform where Evonik’s technical experts, research partners, and industry stakeholders can work together to solve challenges across the entire AEM electrolysis value chain. This integrated approach is expected to accelerate technology development and support the broader adoption of AEM-based hydrogen production systems. Dr. Ryan Liu, Director Strategic Projects and Head of RD&I Greater China, emphasized the facility’s importance in advancing the company’s AEM technology roadmap. “The AEM Center plays a key role in the continued advancement of our AEM technology. It will enable faster development cycles for DURAION® membranes and provide a deeper understanding of AEM-based electrolysis systems as a whole,” he said.
Advanced Testing Capabilities Accelerate Innovation
Built upon Evonik’s expertise in polymer chemistry, membrane science, and electrochemical materials, the Shanghai facility features specialized laboratories and demonstration-scale electrolysis testing capabilities. The center is equipped with advanced electrolyzer test benches that allow researchers to evaluate membrane performance, efficiency, and long-term durability under realistic operating conditions. These capabilities support the complete validation pathway—from single-cell testing through demonstration-scale systems—helping accelerate the industrial deployment of DURAION® membranes in commercial AEM electrolyzers.
AEM Electrolysis Offers Cost-Effective Green Hydrogen Production
Anion Exchange Membrane electrolysis is emerging as a promising technology for producing green hydrogen from water using renewable electricity. Compared with several conventional electrolysis technologies, AEM systems offer greater operational flexibility and lower capital investment requirements. Because they utilize more affordable materials, AEM electrolyzers have the potential to reduce system costs while maintaining high efficiency. As governments and industries seek scalable solutions to decarbonize energy-intensive sectors, AEM technology is gaining increasing attention as a viable pathway for large-scale green hydrogen production.
Supporting the Global Energy Transition
Evonik views green hydrogen as a critical component of future low-carbon energy systems and industrial decarbonization strategies. “The energy transition is accelerating, with green hydrogen from AEM technology representing a key opportunity to defossilize industry and transportation,” said Fuliang Xia, President of Evonik Greater China. “The Evonik AEM Center Shanghai will strengthen Evonik’s contribution to this goal by optimizing our DURAION® anion exchange membranes in one of the world’s most dynamic markets for climate-neutral hydrogen applications and water electrolysis technologies,” he added.
Driving the Future of Hydrogen Infrastructure
With the launch of the Evonik AEM Center Shanghai, the company is expanding its global innovation network while strengthening its capabilities in one of the fastest-growing hydrogen markets worldwide. As per the press release, by combining advanced membrane technology, real-world testing expertise, and close collaboration with industry partners, Evonik aims to accelerate the commercialization of AEM electrolysis and support the development of efficient, cost-effective green hydrogen infrastructure for the global energy transition.
