Research & Development

The HIAT institute is focussing on research and development of core components for PEM fuel cells and PEM electrolysis.
The industrial application of the individual components at the system level is the primary goal of our research here. Furthermore, we are concerned with the development and optimization of process development (e.g. screen printing technology) for the commercialization of the core components. A reproducible and cost-effective production of all components used is essential.

HIAT Research & Development (PDF, 2.5MB)

PEMFC Electrocatalysts

PEM Electrolysis

Developing innovative electrocatalysts for
the use in PEFC, HT-PEFC and DMFC electrodes.
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Developing and producing catalyst coated membranes (CCMs) to be used in PEM water electrolysers.
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DMFC Technology

Process Development

Developing core components and stacks for
direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC).
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Development, design, control and optimisation of chemical and physical processes for the production
of PEM fuel cell and PEM electrolysis components.
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Energy Storage Technology

Developing new products and processes for storing electricity from renewable sources with selected accumulator technologies.
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PEMFC Electrocatalysts

Novel electrocatalysts
HIAT is developing innovative electrocatalysts for the use in PEFC, HT-PEFC and DMFC electrodes.
Different kinds of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) are used as a substrate for wet chemical deposition of Pt and PtRu-alloy. Noble metal loadings from 10 to 70 mass % can be produced, with highly uniform deposition of noble metal particles and particle sizes of 2-4 nm. The use of CNT-supported electrocatalysts significantly increases performance and durability of PEM fuel cells.

PEM Electrolysis

Internal core components for PEM water electrolysers
HIAT is developing and producing catalyst coated membranes (CCMs) to be used in PEM water electrolysers, using commercially available electrocatalysts and membranes. The institute has extensive experience in composition and structure of electrolysis electrodes, backings (gas diffusion layers) and membranes.

Furthermore, HIAT has patented a novel, platinum free cathode for PEM water electrolysis CCMs. By replacing platinum by a low cost metal oxide catalyst, material costs can be significantly reduced. Advantages of this new, platinum free CCM are:

• Reduced cost: no need for expensive platinum
• Enhanced durability: the metal oxide catalyst is far less prone to poisoning than platinum
• Effectiveness: high current densities and hydrogen production rates can be realised

DMFC Technology

DMFC engineering
HIAT has a long-year experience in developing core components and stacks for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC). HIAT R&D for DMFCs has covered various topics, including:

• Development of novel hydrocarbon membranes, with enhanced stability
   and reduced methanol crossover
• Highly durable and effective electrocatalysts for DMFC, using CNTs as catalyst support
• Development of catalysts, electrodes and membrane electrode assemblies for a wide range
   of applications, ranging from passive 100 % methanol vapour fed micro fuel cells (< 1 Wel),
   up to 250 Wel DMFC stacks for stand-alone energy supply systems.

HIAT is also working on DMFC system control, using e.g. extensive modelling, microcontrolled devices and SMDs.

Process Development

Process engineering
HIAT has broad experience in development, design, control and optimisation of chemical and physical processes for the production of PEM fuel cell and PEM electrolysis components. HIAT is continuously improving its processes, with the aim of enhanced quality and reproducibility, cost reduction and integration into automated (mass) production.
Subjects covered are:

• Manufacturing of electrocatalysts
• Manufacturing of electrode pastes
• Manufacturing of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs),
   catalyst coated membranes (CCMs), gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs)
• Screen printing technology, doctor blade, and inkjet technology
• Direct coating of substrates, decal methods and hot pressing processes
• Designing and milling of bipolar plates
• Sealing of fuel cells using automated dispensing technology

Energy Storage Technology

HIAT is developing, based on the participation of the Stadtwerke Schwerin GmbH, new products and methodologies for storing electricity from renewable sources with selected accumulator technologies (distributed energy storage systems). We strive to strengthen the programming of the battery management system and the interface between man and machine as well as the cascading of accumulator technologies. Furthermore, we focus on an easy usage of these systems. The network operator and not the homeowner is able to monitor and control the system. This fact results in many advantages in control and network transparency. Through our research and development activities in this area, we devise innovative ways regarding smart grid and smart metering.