Hydrogen is a potential enabler for future low-carbon mobility with high relevance for the aerospace and automotive sector. Airbus, BMW Group and Quantinuum have collaborated to speed up future research using quantum computers to simulate the chemical reactions of catalysts in fuel cells. In this presentation, we present a hybrid quantum-classical workflow for modeling the oxygen reduction reaction on the surface of a platinum-based catalyst using a hybrid quantum-classical workflow. This chemical reaction is the process that converts hydrogen and oxygen into water and electricity in a fuel cell. As it limits the system’s efficiency, there is great value in better understanding the underlying mechanisms. Using Quantinuum’s H-Series, the collaboration team has demonstrated the applicability in an industrial workflow. Intractable for classical computers, such simulations are a good candidate to benefit from a potential quantum advantage in the future.

Dr. Jasper Simon Krauser, Quantum Technology Central Coordinator, Airbus

Chandan Kumar, Quantum Computational Chemistry Lead, BMW Group

Anand Shah, Strategic Partnerships, Quantinuum