A Canadian maker of specialty polymers and ion-exchange membranes for hydrogen fuel cells is setting up a research center in Rochester, N.Y.
Vancouver-based Ionomr Innovations Inc. said in a Feb. 16 announcement that the development center will open in the second quarter and create 50 jobs over the next five years.
The company said its polymers and materials can replace fluorine polymers widely used in fuel cell technology today.
"Ionomr's membranes and polymers are leading the way in the clean hydrogen economy, addressing the fundamental problems that until now have limited the commercialization of fuel cells, hydrogen electrolysis and green fuels," said CEO Bill Harberlin.
New York's Empire State Development agency said in a separate announcement that it has approved up to $1 million in job creation tax credits for the project.
Ionomr was founded in 2018 and said it employs 31 people at its research and manufacturing facilities in Vancouver, B.C. In the announcement, it said New York state has the "most aggressive climate and clean energy initiative in the nation."
The company said it uses non-fluorinated materials for its membranes and polymers, including polyarylene sulfonic acids, polybenzimidazolium and polyimidazolium.
Ionomr announced in January it had closed a $15 million round of private fundraising with investors including Shell Ventures, Finindus, Chevron Technology Ventures, NGIF Cleantech Ventures and Pallasite Ventures.