Green Hydrogen: Evonik Opens Electrolysis Technology Development Centre in Shanghai

Shanghai, China – Specialty chemicals company Evonik is expanding its activities in China to benefit from the growing hydrogen market. The company has opened a development centre for anion exchange membrane (AEM) technology in Shanghai to test its DURAION® membranes for electrolysers under real operating conditions and to strengthen cooperation with local customers and partners across the hydrogen value chain.

With the new AEM Center, Evonik is responding to China's growing importance as a market for hydrogen and electrolysis technologies. The facility is the company's first of its kind in Asia and is intended to support further development of membrane technology, shorten development cycles and accelerate the industrial deployment of AEM technology.

AEM Membranes for the Next Generation of Hydrogen Electrolysis

The centre focuses on testing and optimising DURAION® membranes produced at Evonik’s Marl site in Germany. The facility includes laboratory and demonstration systems that enable the performance and long-term stability of the membranes to be evaluated under real operating conditions.

Anion exchange membranes are used in AEM electrolysis, a process in which water is split into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity. According to Evonik, the technology offers advantages through flexible operating modes and the use of less costly materials compared with other electrolysis technologies.

“With the establishment of the Evonik AEM Center Shanghai, we are strengthening our ability to serve the rapidly growing market for hydrogen applications in China and beyond. Close collaboration with customers and partners enables us to better align our AEM technology with market requirements, accelerate adoption and scale hydrogen solutions for global commercialisation,” said Jack Zhang, Vice President and General Manager Asia Pacific of the High Performance Polymers business line.

Technology Hub for the Chinese Hydrogen Market

In addition to technical testing, the centre is intended to serve as a platform for cooperation with customers and partners across the entire AEM electrolysis value chain. The aim is to accelerate the commercialisation of applications and support the integration of DURAION® membranes into industrial electrolyser systems.

“The AEM Center plays a key role in the continuous advancement of our AEM technology. It will enable faster development cycles for DURAION® membranes and also a deeper understanding of AEM-based electrolysis systems as a whole,” said Dr. Ryan Liu, Director Strategic Projects and Head of RD&I Greater China.

According to Evonik, China is one of the world's most dynamic markets for climate-neutral hydrogen applications and hydrogen electrolysis. The new development centre is intended to strengthen the company’s position in this market and support the commercialisation of AEM technology.

Source: IWR Online, 18 Jun 2026