Conversion technologies for a sustainable energy future

IEK-14 focuses on researching and developing electrolyzers and fuel cells as well as fuel synthesis and safe hydrogen use. Four specialist departments for water electrolysis and catalytic fuel synthesis are supported by four tool- and method-based departments.

The transition to a sustainable energy system requires the deployment of new, efficient technologies for the provision of greenhouse gas-free secondary energy carriers from renewable electricity. IEK-14 grew out of IEK-3 and focuses on the topics of hydrogen production, refinement, utilization, and safety. Building on more than 30 years’ experience in electrochemical energy conversion, IEK-14 works with national and international partners from research and industry to investigate and develop outstanding solutions for mobile, portable, and stationary applications.

In addition to scientific and technical work on innovative approaches for PEM electrolysis and fuel cells, as well as alkaline electrolysis, an interdisciplinary team of scientists conducts research into the use of greenhouse gas-neutral liquid energy carriers as fuels as well as efficient, safe, and environmentally compatible ways in which these can be produced and used. Both research fields – water electrolysis and hydrogen use – are based on an integrated approach starting with process analysis and materials research, and are applied as a technology in the form of pioneering innovations for electrochemical and chemical energy conversion systems. Work takes place in close collaboration with the new Techno-Economic Systems Analysis subinstitute (IEK-3), the basic-research-oriented institutes on campus – particularly the other subinstitutes at IEK – as well as the technologically oriented central institutes and the newly established Institute for a Sustainable Hydrogen Economy (INW), which focuses on hydrogen storage and transport.