Fraunhofer Institute for
Applied Polymer Research IAP
Fraunhofer Institute for
Applied Polymer Research IAP

Materials for Energy Applications

Materials are central to the energy transition

We develop tailor-made polymer materials and CFRP components to make fuel cells, batteries, electrolyzers, and hydrogen technologies more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. Whether entirely new solutions or improvements to existing processes, we design and functionalize materials precisely for your applications. Let’s open new doors for the energy transition together. Schedule a consultation to learn how we can optimize your energy applications with customized materials.

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Hydrogen technologies: materials for efficient electrolyzers and fuel cells

Material development using hydrogen as an example

We develop PFAS-free membranes with high ion conductivity and precious metal-reduced multi-element catalysts for electrolyzers and fuel cells. Our membranes offer an extended temperature range, including high-temperature operation, and are suitable for low-pressure hydrogen purification. To ensure that newly developed materials can be manufactured quickly on an economic scale, we provide scaled up production for pilot projects and develop continuous manufacturing processes. At the Fraunhofer Pilot Plant Center for Polymer Synthesis and Processing PAZ, we reliably scale novel membrane polymers up to amounts of 100 kilograms – paving the way for innovative solutions to enter the market and everyday life.

Improving energy applications with innovative materials

Our research and development services for your energy technology

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Catalysis: nanoparticles in electrolysis and fuel cells

Catalysts accelerate electrochemical reactions, often making them economically viable in the first place. They are an indispensable component in electrolyzers and fuel cells. Typical electrode materials consist of rare and expensive precious metals. We develop novel catalysts for hydrogen technologies with significantly less active material, without compromising performance. In this way, we are making a decisive contribution to the success of the energy transition.

Producing and separating with polymer membranes: hydrogen, methane, and CO2 from biogas

We develop membranes that are ionically conductive, exhibit stable behavior at high and low pH values, and enable precise separations. Through targeted monomer and polymer design and functionalization, we tailor the material precisely to your requirements. We optimize morphology and transport properties of membranes so they perform exactly as your application requires – right up to novel processes, for example to extract biomethane and CO₂ directly from moist biogas.

High technical performance – mechanical, electrical, thermal

Carbon fibers are high-tech materials with unique properties that no other material class can replace. They play a crucial role in the energy transition, for example in batteries, fuel cells, hydrogen tanks, or wind turbines. In addition to established carbonization processes, such as those using precursor materials made of polyacrylonitrile (PAN), we are working on novel bio-based precursor materials based on cellulose and lignin – for completely bio-based components made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP). Learn more about our sustainable carbon fibers for high-tech applications.

From the laboratory to the semi-industrial scale

At Fraunhofer IAP, we develop new monomers, polymers, and industrial manufacturing processes. At our sites in Potsdam, Wildau, and Hamburg, we focus on functionalization processes and new molecules for polymer materials in energy applications such as electrolyzers, fuel cells, and batteries. At the PAZ Pilot Plant Center in Schkopau, we transfer developments from the lab to a semi-industrial scale and manufacture pilot series. In this way, we validate, scale, and integrate results seamlessly into your production – closely coordinated with you.