A current research focus is the development of a supercritical reformer for diesel fuel and biomass. In this reformer, water is added as a solvent and oxidant. The physical properties of water change at the transition to the supercritical phase, for example, aliphatic molecules become very soluble. A research aim is to find a reformer that can operate at lower temperatures than conventional reformers.

In addition, a process is being developed to quickly characterise important parameters for polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) for fuel cells.

In the field of direct ethanol fuel cells, research is being carried out into binary and tertiary catalysts for the anodic oxidation of ethanol. Depending on the fuel type, the catalyst composition significantly influences the output and efficiency of the fuel cell.