H2 Charging Cell

The Rtec Instruments Electrochemical Hydrogen Charging Cell (H2) is a groundbreaking tribology accessory designed for in-situ hydrogen tribology testing under controlled electrochemical charging conditions. Hydrogen embrittlement and hydrogen-induced degradation are critical challenges for metals used in energy, mobility, and infrastructure — yet traditional tribology tests fail to capture these effects under realistic hydrogen exposure. The H2 Charging Cell solves this by generating atomic hydrogen directly on the metal surface via electrochemical charging, enabling precise control of hydrogen uptake through current density, electrolyte composition, and exposure time.

Compatible with all Rtec Instruments tribometers, the cell integrates seamlessly into existing test platforms without requiring complex or hazardous high-pressure hydrogen systems. Developed through close collaboration between Rtec Instruments and academic partners at EPFL, this system bridges the gap between fundamental hydrogen research and practical tribological evaluation — making it the ideal solution for research laboratories, universities, materials scientists, and R&D centers working on hydrogen-compatible materials for energy, mobility, and infrastructure applications.

What You Can Study

The Rtec Instruments H2 Charging Cell opens new research possibilities across hydrogen science and tribology: friction and wear behavior under controlled hydrogen exposure; hydrogen embrittlement effects on rolling contact fatigue and sliding contacts; performance and durability of alloys, coatings, and surface treatments in hydrogen environments; and functional material behavior for hydrogen infrastructure, fuel cell, and green energy applications.

Who Is It For

The H2 Charging Cell is designed for research laboratories and universities, materials scientists and tribologists, energy and mobility industry R&D centers, and organizations developing hydrogen-compatible materials for infrastructure, fuel cells, electrolyzers, and next-generation green energy systems.