Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST
Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST
The image shows two waveguides on a black background arranged in a cross pattern; the lower waveguide is untreated, while the upper one has electroplated copper metallization.
© Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA), Antenna designer: Adatica Engineering
As part of the ECO program, waveguides were developed – some with copper plating and some without.

Newsletter 3/2026

© Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA), Antenna designer: Adatica Engineering

Newsletter of the Fraunhofer IST

Editorial

Dear reader,

A lot has happened in recent months: With the opening of the new Fraunhofer ZESS research building, the Braunschweig Research Airport now boasts a state-of-the-art infrastructure for the development of future battery and hydrogen technologies. At Fraunhofer IST, a new platform for local electrochemical surface treatment combines established electroplating processes with innovative technologies, creating new opportunities to process complex workpieces with precision and resource efficiency.

New projects are addressing key challenges for the future: “CleanGreen” is developing approaches for more energy- and resource-efficient industrial component cleaning. The German-Chilean project “PaNaBat” focuses on sustainable battery raw materials, lithium extraction, and battery recycling.

In our “From Research” section, we present chromium(VI)-free solutions for the metallization of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics. The interview on the “HELMIZ” project offers a look behind the scenes. Learn more about the people, challenges, and structural transformation in the Helmstedt mining region.

We hope you enjoy this issue and gain exciting insights into the latest developments at Fraunhofer IST.

The Editorial Team

Highlights

 

© Fraunhofer IST

New platform for selective surface modification

With a comprehensive expansion of its research infrastructure, the Fraunhofer IST is establishing a new platform for localized electrochemical surface processing. The combination of proven electroplating processes with innovative technologies such as Electrochemical Jet Processing (EJP) and intelligent robotics enables precise, resource-efficient processing of complex workpieces.

Press release
 

© Fraunhofer IST

Fraunhofer ZESS strengthens technology transfer and sustainable energy storage research

At a ceremony on October 5, 2026, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft officially opened the new building of the Fraunhofer Center for Energy Storage and Systems ZESS in Braunschweig. The German federal government and the State of Lower Saxony have invested approximately 49.85 million euros in the research facility. 

Press release
 

© Fraunhofer IST

AI-based approaches for more energy-efficient industrial component cleaning

With the kick-off meeting of the “CleanGreen” joint research project, partners from industry and research began working together. The project’s goal is to develop methods that will allow the energy, water, and chemical consumption of aqueous cleaning systems to be better adapted to actual cleaning requirements in the future.

Press release
 

© Jeff Chen

Taiwan: Christoph Herrmann appointed visiting professor

Christoph Herrmann, Professor of Sustainable Manufacturing and Life Cycle Engineering at TU Braunschweig and Director of the Fraunhofer IST, was appointed Distinguished Chair Professor at Feng Chia University FCU in Taiwan, effective 1 August 2026. The visiting appointment was formally presented during the Advanced Optics and Semiconductor Industry Forum held at FCU on 18 August 2026.

Press release
 

© Matías Hernández Farias

New approaches to sustainable battery raw materials and lithium extraction

Lithium has become an indispensable part of our daily lives – it’s found in smartphones, e-bikes, power tools, and electric cars. At the same time, its extraction faces criticism because it harms the environment and local livelihoods. New technologies could bring about a decisive breakthrough. This is where the research project “PaNaBat” comes in.

Press release
 

© Fraunhofer IST

Wasserstoff Campus Salzgitter e.V. strengthens its network

Representatives from business, science, education, and public administration gathered yesterday in Salzgitter for the summer workshop of the Wasserstoff Campus Salzgitter e.V. The event focused on strengthening the network, shaping the future direction of the Wasserstoff Campus, and exchanging expertise on current developments in the hydrogen economy.

Press release

From research

CFRP metallization combines the mechanical advantages of CFRP with the functional properties of metallic coatings. In this article, learn about the challenges involved in replacing chromium(VI) and how Fraunhofer IST is working on REACH-compliant metallization solutions.

 

© Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA), Konstrukteur der Antenne: Adatica Engineering

Chromium(VI)-free metallization of CFRP

From material expertise to industrial implementation

To the article

Answered...

A lot has happened at HELMIZ since its launch in 2023: new projects, exciting collaborations, and important initiatives for the region. In this interview, Dr. Guido Hora, Business Development Manager at Fraunhofer IST and responsible for internal Fraunhofer coordination of HELMIZ, takes stock of the project so far and reveals what’s next.

 

© Deemerwha studio, adobe.stock.com

A look behind the scenes at the “HELMIZ innovation center”

To the interview

Trade fairs, conferences and events

Trade fair

Hydrogen Technology World Expo 2026

Hamburg, October 20 - 22, 2026

Our topics: Production, use, and scaling of green hydrogen

Hydrogen Tech World Expo

Trade fair

International Suppliers Fair IZB 2026

Wolfsburg, October 27 - 29, 2026

Our topics: Automated production systems, life cycle engineering

IZB 2026

Conference

International Battery Production Conference IBPC 2026

Braunschweig,  November 04 - 05, 2026

IBPC 2026

Conferences and trade fairs

7th Future Battery Forum Berlin

Berlin, November 24 - 25, 2026

Our topic:  Solid-state batteries

Future Battery Forum

Workshop

Plasma Process Simulation Tools for Industrial Coating and Etching Systems

Braunschweig, January 27 - 28, 2027

Workshop Simulation

 

© Fraunhofer IST, Falko Oldenburg

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