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Microstructure of a gas separation membrane (lower picture showing support of active layer, upper picture showing detail of 100 nm gas separation layer)

Our research topic is the development of novel nanostructured polymer membranes for efficient generation, processing, and use of hydrogen. Major applications include sustainable hydrogen generation by wind, solar energy or natural and bio gas, processing and cleaning as well as fuel cells, e.g. for future zero-emission automobiles, trucks, trains and ships. Our aims are polymer based membranes with high proton conductivity for fuel cells, and membranes with high flux and high selectivity for CO2/H2 separation, polymer based materials for hydrogen generation by solar energy (artificial photosynthesis), and their integration in stationary and transport applications.

The primary focuses of development therefore are:

• Membranes for hydrogen separation (e.g. in direct production of hydrogen by photocatalytic processes or separation from process gases in fossil power plants)
• Membranes for hydrogen processing (e.g. drying, separation of impurities)
• Membranes for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) and direct alcohol fuel cells
• Membranes for hydrogen generation by of solar energy (photo catalysis)
• Low-cost production of membrane materials, development of corresponding engineering processes for industrial use.
• Test of the membrane materials in near application conditions.

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