Fraunhofer IAP Advances Battery Technologies: Developing Innovative Battery Materials for E-Mobility and Energy Storage
Potsdam (Germany) - High-performance energy storage is considered a key technology for e-mobility, renewable energy, and industrial applications. In addition to cell chemistry and production processes, new material concepts are increasingly coming into focus, aiming to improve battery safety, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness simultaneously.
New Polymer Electrolytes for High-Performance Battery Systems
The performance of modern batteries is largely determined by the materials used. Energy density, fast-charging capability, lifetime, and safety strongly depend on electrolytes, electrodes, and separators. Researchers at Fraunhofer IAP in the Potsdam Science Park are therefore developing new battery materials specifically designed for industrial applications.
The institute combines expertise in polymer chemistry, membrane and separator processing, the development of tailor-made carbon materials, as well as catalyst production and scale-up. “The goal is an integrated materials platform — from synthesis and scale-up to prototype production and characterization. We support companies from the initial idea to the transition to larger scales,” explains Dr. Benjamin Heyne, Head of the Energy Materials Department at Fraunhofer IAP.
A focus is on solid polymer electrolytes, considered a potential alternative to the widely used liquid electrolytes, which pose safety risks if damaged and operate only within a limited temperature range. The new materials are designed to be mechanically stable, non-volatile, and thermally more robust.
According to the institute, some of the developed systems already achieve ionic conductivities above 10-4 S/cm at room temperature. By targeted molecular adjustments, mechanical, thermal, and electrochemical properties can be tailored. The polymer electrolytes are compatible with various battery types, including sodium-ion, zinc-air, and lithium-ion systems.
In addition to pure polymer electrolytes, Fraunhofer IAP is developing polymer composite electrolytes that combine organic and inorganic components. Complementary polymer composite cathodes are also being developed, for example, integrating sodium-vanadium phosphate into a polymer matrix. Using the same polymer base for electrolyte and cathode reduces interfacial resistance.
PFAS-Free Membranes and Bio-Based Materials in Focus
Another development focus is on membranes and separators, which separate the electrodes in battery cells while allowing ion transport. Fraunhofer IAP is developing chemically and mechanically stable materials with precisely adjustable pore structures for this purpose.
Pore size and porosity can be adapted to the specific requirements of different battery systems. Particular attention is given to PFAS-free solutions, as persistent fluorochemicals are increasingly criticized for their environmental persistence.
“Our materials can be integrated into existing production processes and at the same time contribute to higher stability and cyclability of the cells,” explains Dr. Murat Tutus, Head of the Membranes and Separators Department at Fraunhofer IAP.
Researchers are also working on bio-based carbon materials for electrodes, using renewable raw materials such as cellulose and lignin. During production and carbonization, properties such as pore structure, surface area, electrical conductivity, and chemical purity can be precisely controlled. This allows optimization of electrode structures and partially replaces fossil raw materials.
Fraunhofer IAP also pursues a resource-efficient approach in catalyst development, aiming to reduce critical elements while maintaining high activity and long-term stability. “The key is that we can precisely adjust the structure and surface. This results in materials with defined properties that are scalable and can be reliably integrated into industrial manufacturing processes”, explains Dr. Christoph Gimmler, Head of the Department of Nanoscale Energy and Structural Materials.
According to the institute, the materials are already in an advanced stage of development. Functional prototypes exist at the lab scale, and initial tests in complete battery cells are underway. In the future, the technologies are intended to be scaled up together with industrial partners. At Inter-Battery 2026 in Seoul, Fraunhofer IAP is actively seeking collaborations for new battery materials and energy storage and hydrogen applications.
Source: IWR Online, 17 Mar 2026
