Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS
The “Electrochemical Methods and Technologies” research group develops electrochemical processes for the sustainable use of water and raw material resources. The focus is on electrochemical processes for the selective recovery of critical raw materials and the treatment of complex process waters.
We work at the intersection of materials development, electrochemical process engineering, and process integration. Our technologies enable the targeted separation and recovery of valuable materials such as lithium, rare earths, and other critical elements from natural and industrial sources, including brines, process wastewater, and recycling streams. A particular focus is on the development of scalable electrochemical platforms, including electro-selective sorption processes, capacitive and Faraday separation methods, and modular reactor concepts ranging from the laboratory scale to demonstrators.
As a partner for industry and public sector clients, Fraunhofer IKTS supports the development of new processes from the concept phase through pilot trials to integration into existing value chains. Our goal is to establish electrochemical technologies as a key building block for a resilient and circular economy.