Hydrogen Technologies and Electrical Energy Storage

With our activities in this area, we offer R&D services addressing the generation, conversion and further thermo-chemical processing of hydrogen. Within electrochemical generation of hydrogen, we are concentrating on electrolysis of water in polymer-electrolyte membrane electrolyzers (PEM). We also apply PEM technology to develop fuel cell systems, particularly for the mobility sector. For both water electrolysis and fuel cells, we carry out multi-scale physical simulation and fundamental electrochemical characterization of cells and stacks. Our research encompasses the development, simulation and testing of single cells, cell stacks and complete systems as well as the testing of peripheral and cell components under all climatic conditions that can apply. Furthermore, we synthesize liquid fuels and chemicals from hydrogen and carbon dioxide (power-to-liquids), applying catalysts that we have developed ourselves. These processes create the link from sustainable electricity generation via water electrolysis to other sectors, such as mobility and chemistry.

For battery materials, cells, modules and systems, we offer R&D services based on conventional and future technology. These encompass the analysis and exploration of new material combinations and cell architecture, the investigation of new manufacturing processes, the construction of battery cells, and their configuration and characterization. We analyze aging mechanisms and approaches to increase cycling stability and lifetime. We also develop entire battery system prototypes, including thermal management and battery management. Beyond this, we accompany our partners within field projects with integration into extremely diverse applications and the corresponding quality assurance. Examples include stationary battery storage units that are used commercially or industrially, as well as applications for electromobility, ranging from light electric vehicles through cars to the electrification or hybridization of ships.