MATERIALS FOR ENERGY TECHNOLOGY

The “Materials for Energy Technology” research group develops innovative material solutions for the sustainable energy transition - with a focus on hydrogen and ammonia technologies as well as new types of batteries. The focus is on the development of scalable atmospheric and low-pressure plasma processes for the production of nanoparticles and thin films that have attractive properties for future use as high-performance electrodes, membranes, redox-active materials (catalysts) or as barrier and corrosion protection. We combine basic scientific research with application-oriented process development and an extensive analytical portfolio for the characterization of structural properties and functionality of nanomaterials.

The new materials and manufacturing processes are being developed to overcome technological and economic challenges in the following application areas in close cooperation with the partners of the CAMPFIRE alliance (www.wir-campfire.de), the TransHyDE lead project (https://www.wasserstoff-leitprojekte.de/leitprojekte/transhyde) and the EU project HiPowAR (https://www.hipowar.eu/home):

• Electrolysers (SOEC, alkaline electrolysis)
• Decentralized synthesis processes for ammonia
• Fuel cells (SOFC, HT-PEMFC)
• Exhaust gas catalysts
• Lithium and sodium ion battery and solid-state battery
• Solid-state storage for hydrogen and ammonia
• Corrosion protection coatings for reactors, fittings and system components for power-to-ammonia and ammonia-to-power