The fuel cell research center ZBT GmbH

The Fuel Cell Research Center (ZBT) is an affiliated institute of the University of Duisburg-Essen and one of the 15 institutes of the Johannes-Rau Forschungsgemeinschaft. Our work is dedicated to the development of environmentally friendly and efficient energy converters. It covers research into batteries and fuel cells, electrolysis and other hydrogen production technologies. These are topics relevant to electromobility and to a future energy supply with a large share of renewables – i.e. electricity generated by solar and wind power – in the supply mix. 

Only with reliable energy storage technology for the operating reserve for grid stabilization to seasonal storage timescales will it be possible to extensively move away from energy supply that is dominated by coal, oil and natural gas. The development of innovative energy converters and storage is often based on new materials, especially selective and active catalysts, and battery electrodes with a high storage capacity or corrosion-resistant coatings are topics addressed in collaboration with material developers. Through its applied R&D interests, the ZBT bridges the gap between basic research and application and specializes in scientific discussion with theoretical researchers on the one side and industry on the other.