M-Spin is developing high-surface area materials with properties that could improve vital technologies for the energy transition.
Imperial spin-out M-Spin has reached a new stage in scaling its advanced materials, following the opening of its pilot laboratory and growing industry interest in its technology for more efficient electrochemical energy systems.
The company, based at Imperial Incubator in the White City Campus, has developed ultra-high surface area metallic and ceramic meshes that can significantly improve the performance of electrolysers, fuel cells and batteries.
In water electrolysis, M-Spin's nanofibre-based metallic mats have demonstrated up to fivefold increases in hydrogen production rate and around 10 per cent higher efficiency, leading to projected cost reductions of up to 30 per cent in green hydrogen generation.
The materials, formed from fibres just hundreds of nanometres in diameter, provide a surface area up to 1,000 times greater than conventional metallic foams. They can be mechanically processed, tailored for different applications and integrated into existing electrolyser architectures - making them an attractive alternative to conventional porous metals.
Scaling clean energy materials
Opened in Summer 2025, M-Spin's pilot lab is now fully operational, equipped with larger-scale electrospinning and post-processing systems that enable the production of large-format mats for partner testing and integration into commercial systems.
Its patented process is highly adaptable, supporting a wide range of materials (including nickel, iron, copper and alloys, as well as ceramics), and is designed to be scalable and cost-efficient.
The team's next focus is on demonstrating stability and durability under commercial electrolysis conditions and broadening the range of metals and alloys available, whilst also scaling up to achieve production volumes suited to industrial demand.
Driving innovation from Imperial research
M-Spin was co-founded by Professor Nigel Brandon and Dr Mengzheng Ouyang from Imperial's Faculty of Engineering and builds on advances in electrospinning pioneered at the university.
The technology marks a step-change in the development of materials for electrochemical systems, creating new opportunities to enhance reaction efficiency and energy conversion. By combining scientific innovation with scalable manufacturing methods, M-Spin's materials are set to support the global transition to low-carbon energy.
