New research for evaluating lubricants in fuel cell electric vehicles featured in the Hydrogen journal

A new peer-reviewed research article co-authored by Krystel Araneda, EMEA Technical Service Development Engineer for DuPont, has introduced a framework for assessing the suitability of lubricants used in fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) applications, where even trace contaminants can impact proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) performance.

Published in the June 2026 issue of the journal Hydrogen, the article, titled “Qualification and Pre-Screening of Lubricants for Use in High-Pressure Hydrogen Tanks: Ensuring ISO 14687 Grade D Purity Within Fuel Cell Drive Trains,” was developed in collaboration with eight researchers from HyCentA Research GmbH.

The 20-page study presents a structured qualification framework designed to evaluate lubricant-derived contamination in high-pressure hydrogen systems. The methodology combines rapid prescreening for formulation stability with a comprehensive qualification pathway that assesses lubricant performance under realistic hydrogen refueling conditions.

As part of the research, several lubricants were evaluated using the proposed framework. One notable finding was the performance of MOLYKOTE® HP-300 Grease, which was tested over a period of 23 days and showed no release of harmful contaminants into the hydrogen gas. Based on the results, the grease was classified as suitable for use in high-pressure hydrogen tanks in PEMFC applications.

The study represents an important contribution to the growing body of knowledge supporting hydrogen-powered mobility and highlights the importance of lubricant selection in maintaining hydrogen purity requirements for fuel cell systems.

The research was published in Hydrogen, an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal published quarterly by the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) that covers all aspects of hydrogen science and technology.

Read the full article: https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4141/7/2/83

Learn more about MOLYKOTE® HP-300 Grease, a fully fluorinated grease designed for demanding operating conditions and certified for hydrogen purity according to ISO 14687:2019: MOLYKOTE® HP-300 Grease