Wissenschaftlerin durch einen Teststand hindurch fotografiert

Electrochemical Components Department

The Electrochemical Components department aims to break down the processes in electrochemical energy conversion systems such as fuel cells and electrolysis cells in detail and optimize them systematically.

This involves the use of state-of-the-art electrochemical and physical analysis methods, innovative architectures, and scalable manufacturing processes for individual components and membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs).

We focus on the entire process chain from development and optimization to manufacturing and recycling of MEAs and their components for both PEM fuel cells and PEM and AEM water electrolysis. With our R&D activities ranging from laboratory to industrial scale, we aim to maximize the efficiency and long-term stability of fuel and electrolysis cells, develop industry-appropriate manufacturing technologies, and reduce system costs. Through close collaboration with academic and industrial partners, we want to pave the way for rapid market penetration of these technologies.

Zwei Männer in weißen Laborkitteln betrachten eine Materialprobe.

Areas of Focus

Our work focuses on investigating electrochemical processes and on the comprehensive physico-chemical characterization of cell components as well as their precursors and intermediates.
These ex situ and in situ studies aim to gain fundamental insights into the relationships between component properties and performance data, thereby providing the basis for the development of innovative materials, manufacturing methods, and production processes.

The department is divided into two specialist groups: MEA Development and Electrocatalysis (MEEK) and MEA Production Technology and Characterization (MPC).

The department’s cross-group expertise and testing capabilities enable comprehensive characterisation of intermediate products and MEAs at the single-cell and short stack level with respect to (accelerated) break-in behavior, performance (BOL), aging (EOL), and emissions under real-world operating conditions.

MEA Development and Electrocatalysis

The science-oriented MEEK group specialises in the development and optimisation of highly innovative MEA components from the nano to the layer level. This includes, for example, the use of novel electrocatalysts, including innovative catalyst supports, precious metal-free or reduced active species, and custom-made electrode architectures, such as those with 3D gradients of ion conductors and catalyst particles. These approaches further optimise state-of-the-art materials and technologies and lay the foundation for high-performance next-generation MEA components.

Beschichtungslabor im ZBT mit mehrerenMaschinen zur Messung und

MEA Production Technology and Characterisation

The MPC group is dedicated to application-oriented research for the development and optimisation of manufacturing processes and industry-appropriate production processes for electrochemically active layers, CCMs and MEAs for fuel cells and electrolysis applications. In addition to electrode and MEA design, the focus is on scalable coating processes such as doctor blade and slot die coating. In addition, the group has a wide range of advanced characterisation methods at its disposal for determining key parameters such as the electrical, thermal and proton conductivity, permeability and much more of individual components and MEAs.

3D-Modell einer MEA

Our Potential

We are a team of 15 dedicated experts. Our work is supported by an extensive infrastructure that allows us to precisely characterise individual components, examine CCMs, MEAs and complete cells under a wide range of operating conditions, and develop improved components and new manufacturing processes.

  • (Electro)chemical and Physical Analysis
    • EIS / CV / HFR / H2P
    • RDE
    • Surface properties (functional groups/zeta potential/IEP)
    • Conductivity (ionic, electrical)
  • Ex-situ material screening of fuel cell components
    • Catalysts, carriers (including powder characterisation)
    • Polymers (ion-conducting)
    • Membranes
    • Electrode layers (catalyst with polymer)
    • GDL/GDS material
    • Edge reinforcement systems
  • Development of coating processes and CCM production
    • Dispersion
    • Ultrasonic spraying, squeegeeing, slot nozzle
    • Drying
    • Hot Pressing/Lamination
  • In-situ testing for MEAs in fully automated single-cell and short-stack test benches
    • Running-in, activation, performance, ageing behaviour
    • Performance tests under a wide range of operating conditions
    • Individually programmable test protocols (e.g. commissioning, accelerated ageing)
    • EIS / CV / HFR / H2P
Miriam Hesse, Elektrolyseteststand

Contact

Head of Electrochemical Components Department

Dr. Volker Peinecke
+49 203 7598-3120

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