Sustainable Fuels & Clean Energy Carriers

In the global push for a low-carbon future, sustainable fuels and clean energy carriers are essential. At MECS, we are working at the forefront of this transformation – developing catalytic technologies that convert solar and electrical energy into storable chemical forms, such as hydrogen or synthetic fuels.

Using electrocatalysis and photocatalysis, we are creating the materials and processes that make clean energy scalable and storable – key to balancing fluctuating energy supply and demand. Our work supports the transition to a renewable energy infrastructure that is not only reliable and efficient, but also safe, economically viable, and free from critical raw material dependencies.

Our Focus

From Fundamental Science to Real-World Application

At MECS, we bridge the gap between foundational science and technology deployment. Our interdisciplinary teams focus on research across the full innovation chain.

  • Material Development
    We design and synthesize novel catalytic materials with high activity and long-term stability, particularly for applications like water splitting and hydrogen generation.

  • Experimental Techniques
    Using ultra-high vacuum surface science and operando methods, we investigate how catalysts behave under realistic conditions – gaining insights into reaction pathways and surface mechanisms that are critical for performance.

  • Computational Modeling
    Our multiscale simulation methods enable atomic-level prediction of catalyst behavior. These models support rational material design and help prioritize the most promising candidates for synthesis and testing.

  • Pilot Testing
    To translate our discoveries into scalable solutions, we integrate optimized catalysts into labscale electrolyzer cells, bridging the gap between research and commercial scalability.

Our Potential

Unlocking the Future of Energy Storage

MECS research helps move clean fuels from lab bench to energy grid – faster, smarter, and more sustainably.

Flexible energy use

Clean fuels store surplus electricity for when it’s needed.

Resource independence

Avoiding critical raw materials like lithium or cobalt.

Economic impact

Improving the cost-performance ratio of renewable energy storage technologies.

By pushing catalyst design beyond current limits, we are opening the door to scalable, sustainable fuel systems.

Günther Rupprechter

MECS Director of Research

Spotlight on Success

Collaborative Innovation Across the Value Chain

MECS brings together outstanding research groups with unique strengths from atomic-scale modeling to device integration. Each contributes to the shared mission of accelerating clean energy innovation.

Learn more about our work in different fields of energy storage and conversion.