Press Release
VSParticle reaches a critical milestone in scaling core technology
Delft, The Netherlands - June 10th 2026: VSParticle (VSP) has successfully produced its first large size (30x30 cm) catalyst layer for proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) with an ultra low iridium loading of 0.1 mg Ir/cm², marking a key milestone for the newly operational pilot line for full-size substrates.
This achievement demonstrates VSP’s ability to scale its technology to commercially relevant sample sizes and volumes. The new pilot line also significantly expands VSP’s internal coating capacity, enabling the supply of larger-sized coated PTLs at ultra-low loadings for customers’ pilot scale plants. For PEMWE OEMs, it provides a faster route to testing low-iridium catalyst layers, reducing the cost of scarce materials and supporting the development of cost-competitive, manufacturable electrolyzer stacks.
Last year, VSP reported results from its collaboration with Plug Power and the Center for Clean Hydrogen, demonstrating stable PEMWE performance of its nanoporous catalyst layers with ultra-low iridium loadings. The results met and, in some cases, exceeded U.S. DOE 2026 targets for iridium utilization and performance, indicating the technical feasibility of operating PEM electrolyzers with ultra low iridium catalyst layers under representative conditions.
In addition, the company recently announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Heraeus, a global leader in precious metal materials and technologies, marking a strategic step toward the commercialization of coated PTEs for PEM electrolysis. Combined with the new pilot line capability, this development strengthens VSP’s ability to support industrial customers in developing and adapting next generation PEMWE catalyst layers.
In addition to high performance and scalable production capacity, VSP expects its next scale-up steps to further improve process economics and move the technology toward competitive cost targets.
With the new pilot-line being operational, VSP is now moving toward the manufacturing capability needed to bring low-iridium catalyst layers closer to industrial use. The company's aim is to work closely with more industrial players to translate these gains into a path toward cost competitive, manufacturable PEM electrolyzer stacks with reduced supply chain risk and time to market.
“This critical milestone is a result of great teamwork and motivation. Scaling a technology is not an easy task, but I am super proud of the team for reaching this milestone. In addition, I am looking forward to seeing the first test data from customers when we supply them with a commercial scale PTL coated with our advanced nanoporous iridium.” - Aaike van Vugt, CEO & Co-founder at VSParticle
Acknowledgement
This milestone was achieved through the dedication and collaboration of VSParticle’s internal teams, together with the expertise of MTA, the company’s high tech manufacturing partner, which contributed to both the design and realization of the pilot line.
The pilot line also represents a key milestone within the NXTGEN Hightech project on third generation electrolyzers, supporting the scale up of low iridium technologies toward real industrial production.
About VSParticle
VSParticle (VSP) is a deep‑tech company enabling next‑generation material innovation through its unique spark‑ablation nanoparticle technology. VSP’s platform simplifies and industrializes the production of ultra‑pure nanomaterials, opening up new possibilities in clean energy, catalysis, semiconductors, and sensing. By enabling scalable and precise deposition of advanced materials, VSParticle helps manufacturers accelerate breakthroughs in critical technologies—including the development of more efficient, lower‑iridium PEM electrolyzer components.
Press Articles
May 19, 2026 - H2Tech
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