PH Matter

Based in Columbus, Ohio, pH Matter, LLC is an advanced materials company founded in 2010 by Dr. Paul Matter and Chris Holt. Both co-founders are engineering graduates from The Ohio State University, with Dr. Matter specializing in Chemical Engineering and Mr. Holt in Materials Science and Engineering. Their combined expertise underpins the company's core mission: developing and manufacturing novel carbon-based materials and catalysts for the alternative energy and aerospace sectors.

The company operates by manufacturing engineered electrode materials, which are then sold to fuel cell and battery manufacturers. This business model is centered on creating entirely new materials designed to be more cost-effective and durable while enabling higher energy output. A key aspect of their operation is the in-house design and construction of the reactors needed for the synthesis of their specialized carbon materials, which allows them to fine-tune material properties and scale production. Clients range from government agencies like NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to commercial partners in the heavy-duty transportation and energy storage industries.

PH Matter's product portfolio includes next-generation fuel cell catalysts, silicon anodes for Li-ion batteries, and boron nitride nanomaterials. Their COR-Cat™ electro-catalysts for Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells are designed to reduce costs by maximizing precious metal utilization and extending durability. For the battery market, the Si-pHera™ line of silicon-based anodes aims to increase the energy density of Li-ion batteries, targeting the electric vehicle market. The firm has achieved significant milestones, including meeting the DOE's 2020 targets for catalyst activity and durability, which is a crucial step for making PEM fuel cells cost-competitive with internal combustion engines. The company actively secures funding through grants and cooperative agreements, such as a $7.2 million award from the DOE in 2024 to scale up the manufacturing of critical fuel cell materials.

Keywords: advanced materials, fuel cell catalysts, nanomaterials, electro-catalysis, PEM fuel cells, lithium-ion battery anodes, energy storage solutions, engineered carbon materials, catalyst manufacturing, hydrogen generation, boron nitride, silicon anodes, aerospace materials, alternative energy components, scalable material production, electrode materials, COR-Cat, Si-pHera, sustainable energy technology, electrochemical applications