“My name is Alessandro Longato, and I am a material scientist with a PhD in Science and Engineering of Materials and Nanostructures. I have been working with hydrogen technologies since 2018 and joined Pietro Fiorentini in 2022. Within the ELECTROLIFE project, I coordinate the contributions of both Pietro Fiorentini and Hyter teams while also being actively involved in the technical aspects. My focus is on enhancing the performance and durability of our AEMEL stacks, contributing to the development of more efficient and reliable hydrogen solutions.”
What was your original motivation to become a researcher?
“I have always been a naturally curious person, especially drawn to subjects like physics and chemistry, which led me to pursue a career in material science. As I grew up, I became increasingly committed to contributing to the fight against climate change. Given my scientific inclination, I decided to devote myself to the hydrogen sector. My goal is to help establish hydrogen as a viable and sustainable energy vector, playing a role in shaping a greener future.”
What is your (main) research area today?
“At Pietro Fiorentini, my main focus is on continuously enhancing the performance, efficiency, and durability of our hydrogen technologies. This involves not only optimizing existing solutions but also researching and developing innovative materials that can improve the overall reliability and sustainability of our AEM stacks. Given my background in material science, I primarily work on the materials aspect, particularly in the development of new catalysts with reduced or no Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) and Critical Raw Materials (CRMs). These advancements are crucial for making hydrogen technologies more cost-effective and scalable. Additionally, I coordinate collaborations between Pietro Fiorentini, other companies, and universities to identify synergies and drive innovation in the field.”
What are the main objectives of your team in ELECTROLIFE?
“In the ELECTROLIFE project, the teams at Pietro Fiorentini and Hyter work in synergy to enhance the performance, cost-efficiency, and durability of our AEM stacks. This is achieved through advancements in both component materials and stack design.
Our team is divided into different focus areas: some members are dedicated to optimizing the stack design to improve water and temperature distribution, enhance gas removal, and enable higher operating pressures. Others, including myself, focus on developing improved catalysts and materials to increase efficiency and longevity while reducing reliance on PGMs and CRMs. Additionally, some team members handle stack assembly and testing to validate our advancements, while others focus on disseminating and exploiting the project’s results through industry fairs, conferences, and collaborations.”
What expertise and facilities does your team have to meet those objectives?
“Our team brings together a diverse range of expertise, including material scientists, mechanical and electronic engineers, and other specialists. With years of combined experience in both R&D and the hydrogen sector, we are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of improving AEM stack performance, cost, and durability.
Both Pietro Fiorentini and Hyter have dedicated extensive facilities to the development of stacks and electrolyzers. These include production lines where stacks are assembled, two chemical laboratories for material synthesis and ex-situ analysis, and multiple stack testing benches. Specifically, we have over 20 test benches for small-scale (5 cm²) cells, 10 benches for 10 kW stacks, and a high-power test bench capable of handling stacks over 100 kW. These resources allow us to rigorously develop, optimize, and validate our technologies to meet the objectives of the ELECTROLIFE project.”
Which aspects of your research at ELECTROLIFE do you find the most innovative and what unique opportunities offer ELECTROLIFE to you and your organisation?
“The ELECTROLIFE project offers a unique opportunity to deeply investigate the performance and degradation mechanisms of our AEM stacks, allowing us to develop more efficient and durable solutions. One of the most innovative aspects of the project is the strong collaboration between industry and research centers, enabling us to combine cutting-edge scientific advancements with real-world industrial applications.
For me personally, ELECTROLIFE is also a great opportunity for growth, both professionally and personally. It allows me to collaborate with leading experts in hydrogen technologies, exchange knowledge, and expand my perspective on the latest advancements in the field. For Pietro Fiorentini and Hyter, the project provides valuable insights and technological advancements that will help us strengthen our position in the hydrogen sector and accelerate the transition toward sustainable energy solutions.”
How do you see the future use and impact of the ELECTROLIFE results?
“I believe the ultimate goal of our work — both within the ELECTROLIFE project and beyond — is to make electrolyzer technology more affordable, efficient, and durable. Reducing capital costs (CAPEX) will make the technology more accessible to a wider range of users, while improving efficiency will enable the production of more hydrogen with the same energy input, lowering operational costs (OPEX). Enhancing durability will ensure longer lifespans for electrolyzers, making hydrogen production more sustainable and cost-effective in the long run.
Beyond technical advancements, I also believe that knowledge sharing is crucial. By making key insights and results accessible, we can help raise awareness about hydrogen’s potential and contribute to the development of a robust and sustainable green hydrogen economy. The impact of ELECTROLIFE extends beyond the project itself — it plays a role in shaping the future of clean energy and accelerating the transition toward a more sustainable world.”
