Ames Goldsmith, a renowned name in the precious metal compound manufacturing industry, has a rich history dating back to 1860. Originally founded as Ames Chemical Company, the firm began as a silver recycling company supplying the US Mint. Over the years, it has evolved significantly, becoming one of the largest integrated silver fabricators in the world, with an annual silver consumption exceeding 85 million troy ounces. Today, Ames Goldsmith operates globally with 400 employees across nine manufacturing facilities, providing precious metals for various industries, including electronics, automotive, solar and the burgeoning electrolyser and fuel cell sectors.
“Ames Goldsmith is a highly diversified precious metal compound manufacturer,” James Woodward, European Commercial Manager explained, highlighting the company’s extensive reach and capabilities. One of the company’s notable achievements is the development of the HyPer brand during the pandemic. This brand targets materials for both the anode and cathode in electrolysers and hydrogen fuel cells, showcasing Ames Goldsmith’s commitment to advancing green technologies.
Ames Goldsmith’s HyPer range of catalysts for PEM technology is particularly noteworthy. These catalysts, including HyPer WE for water electrolysers and HyPer FC for fuel cells, offer improved durability and higher electrochemical performance. For instance, the HyPer WE 550, an iridium ruthenium oxide, has a high surface area of 120-150 m²/g, making it highly efficient for electrolysers. Similarly, the HyPer FC 150X, which features 50% platinum on a high surface area carbon support, boasts an electrochemical surface area (ECSA) of over 100 m²/g, enhancing its performance in fuel cells.
The company’s flagship product, an iridium ruthenium oxide, has been a market leader for over a decade. “This material is the best performing material in the market for electrolyser companies that are utilising PEM technology. Ames has a unique production process which increases the availability of the iridium, making the compound the most active on the market”, Woodward emphasised. The success of this product is a testament to Ames Goldsmith’s dedication to quality and innovation.
In recent years, Ames Goldsmith has focused on reducing the iridium content in their products to address supply concerns and cost issues. “We have a new iteration of that material using the same synthesis route,” Woodward shared. The new material reduces iridium content by over 55%, which is a significant advancement in making PEM technology more sustainable and cost-effective.
Woodward expressed excitement about the potential impact of this new material. “We think it’s going to be a game changer,” he said. The company’s in-house testing has shown a 30% improvement in performance in current density, coupled with a much lower amount of iridium, driving down the capital expenditure (CAPEX) for their clients.
The importance of iridium in PEM technology cannot be overstated. “You need iridium. There’s no real getting away from it,” Woodward explained. However, Ames Goldsmith’s efforts to reduce iridium usage while maintaining high performance are crucial for the industry’s future, and particularly that for those utilising PEM technology.
Aside from the technical aspects Ames Goldsmith’s offers, its approach to customer service and responsiveness sets it apart from competitors as well. “Ames is a medium-sized company, so it means we’re agile and we’re extremely responsive,” Woodward said. The company’s commitment to quality, consistency, and competitive pricing has earned it a strong reputation in the market. Ames Goldsmith prides itself on its ability to work closely with customers to meet their unique application requirements, consistently providing first-class service and support.
Ames Goldsmith’s innovative approach to precious metal compounds, particularly in the hydrogen space, positions it as a leader in the industry. With a focus on reducing iridium content and maintaining high performance, the company is well-equipped to meet the growing demands of the green hydrogen market. As Woodward aptly put it, “We have the product in place. It’s very well performing and has been on test and being used in real-world applications for hundreds of thousands of hours.” Ames Goldsmith’s dedication to innovation and customer service continues to drive its success and influence in the precious metals and the hydrogen industry.
