UNSW x Siltrax
Founded by UNSW alumni Dr Zhengrong Shi and Dr Jim Zhu, Siltrax develops next-generation silicon-based hydrogen fuel cell solutions and PEM electrolysers designed for high performance, durability and cost-effectiveness.
Siltrax’s silicon-based plate prototype yields twice the power output and resists corrosion 26 times better than traditional stainless steel and graphite plates. They partnered with UNSW via a TRaCE commercialisation grant to develop, refine and test their prototype so it could be launched as a market-ready product.
“We have a good combination of complementary talents. Siltrax brings industry strengths, the quality of our outputs, production methods and cost, while UNSW is at the frontier in scientific subjects. We’re also both working towards the same vision of enabling the transition to clean energy.”
Dr Jim Zhu, Co-founder, Siltrax
Good product. Good business.
Next-gen hydrogen stack technology
High-performance components for PEM fuel cells and electrolysers
Superior quality
26x better than traditional stainless steel and graphite plates
Improved heat transfer
Heat transfer properties 10x superior to stainless steel
- Challenge
- Solution
- Outcome
Challenge
Hydrogen fuel cells are emerging as a promising clean-energy solution for sectors that are difficult to electrify. However, improving their performance and durability remains a key challenge. One critical component is the bipolar plate, a thin panel inside the fuel cell that conducts electricity and helps manage the flow of gases, water and heat. Conventional metal plates can corrode over time and often require costly protective coatings, while graphite plates are heavy and brittle.
Siltrax has developed an ultra-thin silicon-based bipolar plate designed to improve both performance and longevity. While they’d conducted their own internal testing, Siltrax lacked access to specialist equipment such as UNSW’s Electron Microscopy Unit, which would enable more sophisticated testing.
"The product was going to be launched to the world. We needed somebody with specialist equipment and expertise to validate our own research and point out any other ways - from materials to function – that we could improve it. The state-of-the-art equipment and advanced technology have strongly enhanced our R&D capability."
- Dr Jim Zhu, Co-founder, Siltrax
Solution
Siltrax partnered with UNSW on a successful $669,200 TRaCE R&D grant application to conduct a detailed analysis of its product using electron spectroscopy. The project generated critical performance and durability data to assess the technology's commercial potential.
Renowned hydrogen fuel cell experts Dr Quentin Meyer and Professor Chuan Zhao led the research from the UNSW NanoElectroChemistry Lab.
"Dr Meyer and Professor Zhao are very professional and have deep knowledge and strong capability. Their expertise in fundamental research meant if we had a problem or question, they could help us understand the root causes."
- Dr Jim Zhu, Co-founder, Siltrax
Outcomes
The UNSW research team analysed Siltrax’s silicon-based bipolar plates and identified ways to further improve the product including:
- Detecting the chemical elements that appeared on the surface of the plates and causes of contamination, enabling Siltrax to modify their production line to avoid this.
- Identifying alternative and better catalysers that could be used for their silicon plates.
- Demonstrating Siltrax’s silicon design delivered double the power output of traditional graphite plates.
- Demonstrating bare silicon plates corroded 26 times more slowly than stainless steel.
- Demonstrating the heat transfer properties were ten times superior to stainless steel, allowing the technology to dissipate heat more efficiently and maintain uniform operating temperatures.
The independent testing supported Siltrax’s claims that their ultra-thin silicon plates are a serious contender for next-generation fuel cells.
“Having testing done by UNSW gives the technology the rigorous academic backing needed to move from the lab into the market. The next step is taking these lab results into commercial testing. In the meantime, we'll continue to work with UNSW on other research projects.”
"Having testing done by UNSW gives the technology the rigorous academic backing needed to move from the lab into the market. The next step is taking these lab results into commercial testing. In the meantime, we'll continue to work with UNSW on other research projects."
- Dr Jim Zhu, Co-founder, Siltrax
Siltrax
Collaboration to test and refine next-generation silicon-based hydrogen fuel cell technology.
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Organisation size
Medium enterprise
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Project duration
1 year
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Funding range
$669K
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Funding scheme
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Academic collaboration
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UNSW services
Leveraging R&D grants
AU $669,200 via TRaCE commercialisation joint funding
Prototyping & testing
Product testing and analysis using UNSW specialist laboratories and equipment
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