The conversion of fuels into electrical power occurs in the thin ceramic plants located on the surface of the stacks. 

These ceramic cells, unlike polymers used in low-temperature fuel cells, can produce power from hydrogen, methane, gasoline, diesel, natural gas or biogas. Compared to alternative technologies, the stacks can achieve an efficiency rate of over 90%. 

However, the stacks inside the fuel cells would have to be made of materials that can withstand any kind of aggressive conditions. 

In line with this, a team of IKTS researchers, together with HC Starck GmbH and Webasto AG, is undertaking a joint development of composite materials comprising metals, ceramics and glass that can be used for producing low-cost, robust stacks. 

The partners have scheduled the new stacks to go into series production.