fem Research Institute for Precious Metals and Metal Chemistry
Since 1922, the fem has been one of the leading independent institutes for the research, development, and analysis of metallic materials and coatings. Through the interdisciplinary integration of metallurgy, surface technology, electrochemistry, plasma technologies, and digitalization, holistic solutions are created—from alloy development to process integration. With a focus on sustainable materials, circular economy, additive manufacturing, as well as battery and hydrogen technologies, fem creates added value for SMEs and industry.
fem Research Institute for Precious Metals and Metal Chemistry
Prof. Dr. Holger Kaßner
Katharinenstr. 13-17
73525 Schwäbisch Gmünd
Tel. 07171 / 1006-0
info@fem-online.de
www.fem-online.de
Core Competencies
At the fem Research Institute, materials, surfaces, and functions are approached systematically. A wide range of research, testing, and analysis methods enables a holistic examination of materials and components. With around 200 accredited testing and analysis procedures, fem supports companies from material development through quality assurance to damage analysis.
- Metallic materials & alloy development
- Surface & coating technologies
- Electrochemistry, corrosion & electroplating
- Material analytics, characterization & damage analysis
- Plasma & vacuum technologies
- Digitalization & AI in the material lifecycle
Business Fields
As an R&D partner, fem supports companies in developing new materials, processes, and technologies, as well as their successful industrial application. The institute’s solutions are used in numerous industries:
- Mobility
- Energy & hydrogen technology
- Battery & storage technologies
- Mechanical & plant engineering
- Metal & materials industry
- Electrical engineering & electronics
- Chemical industry
- Medical technology
- Circular economy & recycling
- Security & defense
- Jewelry, watch & luxury goods industry
The battery of the future
The fem develops and evaluates innovative battery systems for the energy supply of tomorrow. The focus is on high-performance, safe, and sustainable energy storage solutions for mobility, industry, and stationary applications. Research includes sodium-ion technologies, post-lithium approaches, and redox flow batteries. In addition, fem develops innovative materials, coatings, and layer systems to enhance the performance, lifespan, and safety of modern battery systems.
A particular focus is on the characterization of battery materials and components. Aging, safety, and performance studies, as well as damage analyses down to the material structure, enable a deep understanding of the underlying processes. Additionally, fem researches recycling and circular strategies for battery raw materials and develops scalable coating processes for the industrial implementation of new battery technologies.
CO₂ electrolysis
The fem researches innovative electrochemical processes to utilize carbon dioxide (CO₂) as a raw material for the chemical industry. The goal is to convert CO₂ into valuable chemicals and energy carriers, thereby contributing to a climate-friendly and resource-efficient economy.
The focus is on developing high-performance electrodes and catalysts for the electrochemical conversion of CO₂. The fem investigates how materials and manufacturing processes can be optimized to improve the efficiency, selectivity, and long-term stability of the systems. This research helps open up new ways to use CO₂ as a sustainable carbon source and supports the transformation of the chemical industry toward climate neutrality.
CT for industrial, energy technology, and archaeological applications
With 3D X-ray computed tomography (CT), the fem offers a powerful method for non-destructive analysis of components and materials. The technology enables high-resolution insights into internal structures and is used in both industry and research—for example, for examining batteries, fuel cells, or complex materials.
A special highlight is the use of CT in archaeology. Significant finds such as the princess's grave from Heuneburg or the approximately 40,000-year-old Lion Man have been examined non-destructively. To make current research results accessible to a wide audience, the fem regularly organizes archaeological lecture series together with partners.