Press / Publications

Electrochemical processes like water electrolysis will become increasingly important in the future in light of climate change and the resultant need for an energy and raw materials transition. The Fraunhofer Institute for Microengineering and Microsystems IMM is collaborating with hte GmbH to develop modular electrochemical cells. These flow cells are used in screening tasks, thereby helping optimize electrochemical production processes, such as water electrolysis.

In his thesis in the field of electrochemistry, Nils Baumgarten describes an electrochemical microreactor for carrying out electrochemical syntheses in continuous operation and studies the influence of operating conditions on selectivity and energy efficiency.

In the future, ammonia could play a decisive role in the transition from fossil fuels to climate-friendly alternatives — as long as it is produced from green hydrogen, for example, using renewable energy sources. Ammonia is easy to store and transport. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Microengineering and Microsystems IMM are developing ammonia-based systems for a mobile, decentralized energy supply in the infrastructure, transportation and industry sectors. The various research projects will be presented for the first time at the Hannover Messe Preview on February 15, 2023.

In his thesis, Janis Stiefel deals with the detection of tumor features from liquid biopsies. His work thus contributes significantly to the establishment of a platform technology of Fraunhofer IMM in applied research of liquid biopsy.

In his thesis, Christoph Deckers presents new concepts, which all deal with syntheses of fine chemicals while using the benefits of continuous flow approaches and micro reaction technology. The thesis is divided into two major sections: The first part is about the synthesis of substituted biphenyls including the integration of an online analysis tool. The second topic of this thesis deals with automation and digitalization of continuous processes in research and development towards self-learning facilities.

Rather than being released into the atmosphere and exacerbating the problem of climate change, CO2 can also be used as a raw material for substances required in industrial processes, such as formic acid or methanol. The conversion of CO2 has already been investigated in detail in laboratory studies, with nanodiamonds serving as an environmentally friendly photocatalyst. Researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Microengineering and Microsystems IMM are now working with partners to turn this reaction into a contin-uous process – bringing it much closer to real-world application.

Fraunhofer researchers are currently developing a scalable, open and digitalized PCR test system that will produce results in just 15 minutes. The compact demonstrator system will be on display from November 14 to 17 at the COMPAMED trade show in Dusseldorf.

Parker Hannifin’s Engine Mobile Filtration EMEA Division (EMFE) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Microengineering and Microsystems (IMM) today announced a partnership to further develop and test new proprietary hollow fibre membrane technology designed for fuel cell humidification applications.

Fraunhofer Institute for Microengineering and Microsystems IMM works on designing more sustainable chemical production processes using its technology portfolio based on (micro)structured reactors, Flow Chemistry and Process Intensification. Electrochemical synthesis also plays a role.

Pieces of plastic in the sea, chlorophyll content in bodies of water, the degree of drought in fields – since April 2022, the German environmental satellite EnMAP has been orbiting our Earth and will be collecting myriad data during its five-year mission. The Fraunhofer Institute for Microengineering and Microsystems IMM and the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF have developed various core components for the optical system of the hyperspectral satellite.