Global medical device leader Dentium announced on January 20th that it is launching the development of core zirconia-based components to drive technological innovation in the growing hydrogen economy. The company is commencing research this year with the goal of developing critical parts for fuel cells and electrolysis equipment—key technologies for the production, storage, transport, and utilization of hydrogen.

In a significant endorsement of its capabilities, Dentium has been selected as the lead organization for a national project, "Development of Core Component Manufacturing Technology for High-Temperature Electrolysis," supervised by South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The company is advancing the technology in cooperation with domestic and international research partners.

This strategic diversification leverages Dentium's long-standing expertise in advanced ceramics, specifically the unique properties and chemical stability of zirconia, a key material in its dental products. In the hydrogen sector, zirconia can be used as an electrolyte in fuel cells or as a separation membrane to isolate hydrogen and oxygen. Its ability to absorb and conduct oxygen ions at high temperatures (above 650°C) makes it a vital material for the hydrogen economy.

To ensure the development of highly reliable technology, Dentium is collaborating with renowned international research institutions in Europe. The company is also set to begin developing core components for low-temperature electrolysis next year. This dual approach for both high- and low-temperature applications is designed to secure a comprehensive competitive edge and strengthen the company's position in the global market.

"While we began as a dental company, our entry into hydrogen technology is a natural extension of the deep knowledge we've gained in advanced material science," said a company spokesperson. "We are proud to contribute to the realization of the hydrogen economy and carbon neutrality, and we aim to be at the forefront of the sustainable energy transition in the global market."