The hydrogen and
fuel cell center
ZBT GmbH

FC_Bio project launched: Making fuel cells more sustainable

Producing “organic” fuel cells: Which petroleum-based materials can be replaced by renewable raw materials? ZBT is working with partner institutes on innovative materials that will make fuel cells even more sustainable.

 

Comparison of the conventional set-up and the innovations and targets in the projects of FC_Bio

Fuel cells are considered a clean way to generate electricity. But many components of fuel cell stacks are made from petroleum or other energy-intensive or problematic materials. The just launched lead technology overall project Biobased Fuel Cells (FC_Bio) aims to substitute conventional petroleum-based materials in fuel cell technology with renewable raw materials. Through the use of innovative adhesive joining processes, the focus is also to be on improving economic production in order to promote the use of hydrogen as an energy carrier.

To achieve the overall goal, the three research institutes involved are concentrating their core competencies: The Institut für Füge- und Schweißtechnik (Institute for Joining and Welding Technology) of the Technical University of Braunschweig (project coordinator) is responsible for adhesive and joining technology, the Fraunhofer Institut für Holzforschung Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut (Institute for Wood Research) focuses on material development of biobased materials, and the ZBT - THE HYDROGEN AND FUEL CELL CENTER will take the lead in material development as well as measurement and testing technologies in the field of fuel cell development.

The overall project Biobased Fuel Cells is divided into four subprojects:

  • Subproject 1 - Joint and Function represents the process engineering part of the overall project, taking into account the material-specific requirements.
  • Subproject 2 - Wooden Endplate deals with the material development of the endplates. Endplates made from high-performance wood materials potentially have a lower weight than conventional metallic endplates, and the insulating plate previously required is no longer necessary.
  • Subproject 3 - Compound and Filler deals with bio-based alternatives to the previously petroleum-based bipolar half-plates and with alternative fillers.
  • In subproject 4 - Adhesives, bio-based adhesives and sealants are being developed for the possible joints within a fuel cell.

Green hydrogen and emission-free operation will hopefully soon be joined by sustainably produced biofuel cells. The future is going green!

Project information:

  • IGF project number: 44 LN; 45 LN; 46 LN; 47 LN
  • Duration: 1 November 2021 – 30 April 2024
  • Project partners:
    - Institute for Joining and Welding Technology (IFS) of the TU Braunschweig
    - Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research, Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut (WKI)
    - Center for Fuel Cell Technology (ZBT) - Department Fuel Cells and Stacks
 Last update: