The research group “High-Temperature Materials and Joining Technologies” consists of the world's leading experts in the field of scientific engineering, developing innovative research devices, instruments and equipment in the form of prototypes and demonstration facilities. As a cross-cutting function of various disciplines and technologies, the group makes a significant contribution to interdisciplinary projects, focusing on the development and manufacture of devices and components. These include high-temperature electrolysis stacks, water-gas shift reactors, methanol synthesis reactors and bipolar plates for low-temperature fuel cell stacks, as well as key components such as the innovative heating system for the Wendelstein 7-X fusion reactor project.

The research group’s core competencies lie in the integration and engineering of components with complex and highly demanding materials, in the processing of special metals, ceramics, glass, plastics and composite materials. The entire development chain is covered, from materials development to design, simulation, system and prototype realisation, production and post-operational studies. It also includes automation, metrology, certification and the development of new technologies.

Outstanding contributions to the energy theme include novel high-temperature glass-ceramic joining materials and innovative metal brazing for high-temperature applications. The group has also developed new components and fully automated catalytic dehydration plants and processes, as well as optimised electrolysis or solar cells.