Organization
IEK-14 focuses on researching and developing electrolyzers and fuel cells as well as fuel synthesis and safe hydrogen use. Work takes place across two fields of work in a total of four R&D areas. The topics of electrolysis, PEM fuel cells, fuel synthesis, and safety research are supported by tool- and method-based activities on a department and group level.
IEK-14 works on PEM- and alkaline-based technologies as a basis for the pioneering topic of water electrolysis. PEM fuel cells are optimized for higher operating temperatures using ionic liquids. The sustainability of liquid, H2-based fuels is ensured by means of new synthesis processes and reactors. H2 safety research provides the safety-relevant foundations for process control and designs components for the reliable use of hydrogen in a future hydrogen economy. Focusing intensively on a few types of energy conversion and on selected applications with specific power ranges makes it possible to work on these topics with teams of supercritical size starting from electrochemical cells and going right up to process engineering for the whole system.
The subinstitute’s objectives and focal points involve unlocking synergies between the specialized disciplines and putting theory into practice in order to reach a pilot-plant stage. Application-oriented R&D activities are supported by basic research aiming to clarify issues such as structure–activity relationships ranging up to process analyses concerning the entire system. Modelling and simulation provide an important link between the fundamental interdependencies and technical implementation at various scale levels. The reproducible and large-scale fabrication of functional layer systems for electrolysis and fuel cells lays the theoretical and practical foundations for rapid technology transfer to the relevant industry.