Electrode Materials for Energy Storage Systems

A key issue in the change from conventional to renewable energy sources is energy storage. Although electrochemical capacitors (supercaps) can be charged extremely quickly, they are only capable of storing a limited amount of energy. Batteries, on the other hand, can store large quantities of energy but require a long time to charge. They are also associated with safety hazards and have a limited shelf life. Therefore, new innovative energy storage technologies are needed.

For this reason, the experts at Fraunhofer IPA are busy working on the next generation of energy storage technologies. A particular focus of their work is on maximizing the surface area of electrodes to optimize their access by electrolyte ions. Due to their nanoscale structure, nano materials have an exceptionally large surface area. That is why we use these materials to make electrodes.

Fraunhofer IPA is already further developing existing technologies, such as supercaps and batteries. We also specialize in innovative hybrid energy storage systems, which combine the advantages of batteries and supercaps. However, feasibility plays a major role. We develop functional nano materials and process technologies for innovative materials along the entire value chain. Our research and development work concentrates on industrial processes that can be scaled to individual customer requirements.

In the field of materials development, the experts at Fraunhofer IPA devise and optimize processes for synthesizing functional nano materials. We develop processes for 2D materials, such as graphene, graphene nanoplatelets, carbon nanotubes, hexagonal boron nitride, molybdenum sulfide and titanium dioxide. We also design customized electrolytes to improve energy storage technologies. We functionalize our high-quality materials to optimize their processability and give them specific properties.

Fraunhofer IPA uses dispersion technology to develop customized nanoscale dispersions and dispersion processes for high-efficiency electrodes.

We implement diverse coating technologies, such as spraying, dipping, blade coating, screen printing and inkjet printing, to develop electrodes for energy storage systems.

Fraunhofer IPA has the necessary expertise and test facilities to characterize and evaluate nanoparticles, dispersions and electrodes.

Our wealth of knowledge and experience in energy storage systems enables us to calculate benchmarks for our customers. We also conduct theoretical studies and feasibility studies on energy storage systems and conduct material tests.

The materials we develop enable energy storage systems to store large amounts of energy efficiently and be charged super-fast. Our systems are also highly reliable and extremely safe.