Cutting-edge research into hydrogen, fuel cells and electrolysis

The ZBT – the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Center in Duisburg conducts application-oriented research on hydrogen-related topics, thus building a bridge between fundamental research and the industry sector.

For more than 20 years, the ZBT has stood for research at the highest scientific level. Every day, more than 100 scientists work here to advance the current state of science towards the future. This has made the ZBT one of the leading institutions for hydrogen, fuel cell and electrolysis research in Germany and Europe for many years.

With its application-orientated research, the ZBT is an important link between basic university research and the development departments of industry. As an affiliated institute of the University of Duisburg-Essen and an experienced development service provider, the ZBT has strong networks in both areas and has established itself as a competent R&D partner.

Raum mit zahlreichen Armaturen und Schalttafeln

Research Field
Fuel Cells

In fuel cells, electrical energy is generated directly from hydrogen. They are used for many applications in clean mobility and logistics as well as in secure energy supply. ZBT stands for comprehensive expertise in the design, development and qualification of components, materials and production processes as well as for application-orientated system concepts.

The ZBT works at all levels of the technological value chain of PEM fuel cells (PEM = Proton Exchange Membrane):

  • Membrane electrode units
  • Bipolar plates and seals
  • Stack technologies
  • Fuel cell systems

 

ZBT-Mitarbeiter hält graphitische Bipolarplatte in die Kamera
more about fuel cell research

Research Field
Hydrogen

The ZBT has extensive expertise in the development, testing and analysis of hydrogen distribution and refuelling technologies. The ZBT also plays a leading role in analysing hydrogen quality. Hydrogen safety and standardisation are also part of the ZBT’s expertise. We provide advice in this area and are involved in important standardisation committees.

We have more than 20 years of experience in hydrogen production, process and plant development, the quality analysis of hydrogen and the safe handling of hydrogen and other fuels.

Wasserstoff-Installationen
more about hydrogen

Research Field
Electrolysis

With the increasing use of renewable energies in industry, mobility and households, the storage of energy is becoming an important issue. As electricity from solar or wind energy cannot be utilised directly in many cases, hydrogen is an important energy carrier for the future design of our energy system. The ZBT conducts research in the field of water electrolysis, from component development and the characterisation of materials and components through to their testing.

  • Research and development of materials and components
  • Testing options for stacks and systems
  • Characterisation of materials and components
  • PEM water electrolysis
  • AEM water electrolysis

 

more about electrolysis
Latest
Fuel cell project
“FaeBS”: Functional design and testing of an innovative fuel cell system
Within the framework of this industry-oriented cooperation project “FaeBS”, prototypes of a high-performance innovative fuel cell system (BZS) are to be developed and tested in a compact and space-optimised manner using innovative new components. The main focus of ZBT is the qualification of suitable materials for components.
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Latest
Electrolysis project
AlFaKat – Scalable PVD technology for cost-efficient catalysts in AEM electrolysis
Scalable PVD technology for cost-effective catalysts in AEM electrolysis – efficient and industry-oriented.
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Latest
Hydrogen project
HRS-Modell: optimization of hydrogen refueling stations
In the project “Development and experimental validation of models for the process engineering design and techno-economic evaluation of hydrogen refueling stations (HRS model)” ZBT and the Chair of Energy Technology (LET / Prof. Hoster) at the University of Duisburg-Essen are working together to improve hydrogen refuelling stations (HRS).
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Recent Awards

2024

CENIDE Best Paper Award 2024

Adib Caidi, ZBT, and Amin S. Amin, University of Duisburg-Essen, received the CENIDE Best Paper Award 2024 in the category “Functional materials for energy applications” for their publication “Key Control Characteristics of Carbon Black Materials for Fuel Cells and Batteries for a Standardized Characterization of Surface Properties”.

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2024

Award for Best Master's Thesis from the Deutschen Wasserstoff-Verband (DWV) e.V.

The master’s thesis of our research assistant Enado Pineti was honoured by the German Hydrogen Association as the best academic thesis of 2024. His Master’s thesis titled “Herstellung und Optimierung edelmetallfreier Katalysatorschichten für die Anionenaustauschmembran-Wasserelektrolyse (AEM-WE) mittels korrosiver Abscheidung” (title translation: Production and optimisation of precious metal-free catalyst layers for anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEM-WE) using corrosive deposition) was awarded in the Master’s category.

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2023

GVT project of the year

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News

Here you will find news from our research, event announcements and reports and news from life at the institute. The press area can also be found here.

Vacancies

Join ZBT – a leading European R&D institute for hydrogen, fuel cells, and electrolysis. Help shape future energy systems and drive innovation in climate and environmental protection.

Departments

At ZBT, seven scientific departments deal with various topics related to electrolysis, hydrogen and fuel cells.