R&D Service and Project Examples - Fraunhofer Nanotechnology FNT

Our R&D Services

As an application-oriented service provider the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft has recognized that translating the fascinating properties of materials at the nanoscale into applications needs efforts of various competences. By the foundation of Fraunhofer Nanotechnology FNT almost all aspects of nanotechnology can be analyzed and treated in cooperation with customers in order to develop new products and system solutions.

This begins with the synthesis of nanostructures via chemical and physical methods to produce thin films, particles, fibers, and nanocomposites, the needed process technology for nanomaterials up to the point of production technology as well as testing of lifetime and reliability of nanosystems. Moreover, offers in nanoanalytics and assessment of trends in nanotechnology as cross section topic are added.

It is the aim of these activities to give all chances to the realistic development potential of the nanotechnology for application and realization, far from illusions and exaggerated hopes, and to offer Research & Development for the entire value-added chain of nanotechnological products.

The economic orientation is the guideline for the actions of the Fraunhofer Institutes of Fraunhofer Nanotechnology FNT; this can be seen in project-related cooperation with the commercial sector as well as in public projects and the founding of new companies.

Many Fraunhofer institutes are actively involved in national and European nanotechnology networks.

Project examples

Project example ISC Wuerzburg

Press Release 2021-04-07

Project SafeVulca – Inorganic particles as multifunctional objects: synthesis, processing and examples of upscaling from lab to pilot

The EU project SafeVulca aims to reduce zinc oxide in tire production. Zinc oxide is used as an activator during the vulcanization of tire rubber and helps to ensure the required material properties. However, released zinc ions are suspected of being toxic to aquatic organisms. SafeVulca is intended to help reduce the amount of zinc required for vulcanization by up to 50% and at the same time improve the material properties.

How this can work with a clever combination of particles to form super-particles is to be conveyed in a workshop for scientists, doctoral candidates and students. Certainly also interesting with regard to other material systems. The online workshop is organized by Fraunhofer ISC and participation is free of charge.

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Project example IKTS Dresden

Press Release 2020-10-25

Advanced materials and Reactors for ENergy storage tHrough Ammonia.

Project ARENHA – Advanced materials and Reactors for ENergy storage tHrough Ammonia

High storage capacities are required for the decarbonization of CO₂-intensive sectors such as industry or transport and the necessary secure and flexible availability of renewable energies. Ammonia has a high energy density and is easy to store and transport. The ARENHA project, funded by the EU with 5.7 million euros, aims to demonstrate the potential of ammonia as a green energy carrier and hydrogen storage system across the entire value chain. Fraunhofer IKTS participates alongside ten other international partners.

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Project example IVV Freising

Press Release 2019

This project has received funding from the Bio Based Industries Joint Undertaking (JU) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.

Project ECOFUNCO – Development of new bio-based coating materials

The overall objective of the ECOFUNCO project is to select, extract, and functionalize molecules (proteins, polysaccharides, cutin) from highly available, low valorized biomass such as tomatoes, legumes, and sunflowers for the development of new bio-based coating materials. These coating materials will be applied to two different substrates (cellulosic and plastic based), with the objective of improved performance compared to currently available products and at the same time more sustainable end of life options. The products to be developed include, for example, paper and cardboard (packaging for fresh products such as pasta, paper plates,…), plastic substrates (bio-polyesters) for active packaging, cutin based formulations for water repellent coatings (paper cups, service paper, etc.), water vapor barrier packaging, and non-food packaging with protective properties.

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Project example ISC Wuerzburg

Press Release 2019-04-29

© Fraunhofer ISC
DNA-stabilized metal quantum clusters belong to a novel class of biological nanomaterials and, in the future, could be used as highly sensitive, cost-effective biosensors. With their fluorescence properties researchers could detect diseases quickly and reliably.

Project BioSensing – detecting pathogens using quantum technology

Safe diagnoses of diseases, identification of multidrug-resistant germs, detection of beginning epidemics at an early stage or detection of toxins and pathogens in drinking water and food in even the lowest concentrations – these are major challenges and goals of current research programs. One of the most promising tools for these tasks are novel and considerably improved biosensors. The project "BioSensing" of the Fraunhofer Institutes for Silicate Research ISC and for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME and the Leiden University, Institute of Physics aims to overcome the limits of modern biosensors with the help of quantum technology.

Medical diagnoses could be even more reliable and efficient with the use of biosensors, but researchers face great challenges. The sensors should be sufficiently sensitive to detect even the smallest amounts of pathogens in the blood or other biological fluids. At the same time, they should be able to identify even difficult-to-diagnose diseases in real time so that effective therapy procedures can start at an early stage.

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Project example IKTS Dresden

Press Release 2017-05-30

© Fraunhofer IKTS
Ceramic membranes by the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS

Cleaning waste water effectively

Water is vital – therefore, waste water has to be cleaned as efficiently as possible. Ceramic membranes make this possible. Researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS in Hermsdorf, Germany were able to significantly reduce the separation limits of these membranes and to reliably filter off dissolved organic molecules with a molar mass of only 200 Dalton. Even industrial sewage water can thus be cleaned efficiently.

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Project example IAP Potsdam-Golm

Press Release 2015-10-01

© Fraunhofer IKTS
Quantum dots make it possible to display any color in full brilliance.

Brilliant colors from environmentally friendly crystals

Quantum dots have made it possible to substantially increase color quality in LCD displays. However, these cadmium-based nanocrystals have proven to be harmful to the environment. Fraunhofer researchers are working together with an industry partner to develop a promising alternative: quantum dots based on indium phosphide.

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Project example IPA Stuttgart

Press Release 2014-07-01

© Fraunhofer IPA
Development of nano-material based supercapacitors

Nano-supercapacitors for electric cars

Innovative nano-material based supercapacitors are set to bring mass market appeal a good step closer to the lukewarm public interest in Germany. This movement is currently being motivated by the advancements in the state-of-the-art of this device. Electric cars are very much welcomed in Norway and they are a common sight on the roads of the Scandinavian country, in contrast to the situation in Germany.

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