Plasma surface technology for CO2-neutral and sustainable mobility

Abstract

Three concepts are suitable for CO2-neutral and sustainable mobility: First, the direct use of electrical energy for battery electric vehicles. Second, the conversion of regeneratively generated electricity into green hydrogen as an energy carrier for fuel cell electric vehicles, and third, the generation of synthetic fuels from green hydrogen. The technologies will complement each other in terms of vehicle weight, driving distance, and propulsion power required. Regardless of the powertrain concept, plasma surface technology offers outstanding opportunities for the optimization of highly stressed tribological systems. For example, Triondur physical vapor deposition and plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition coating systems in the automotive industry, where they were initially used to prevent wear, have become an extremely valuable design element for increasing energy efficiency and CO2 savings through friction reduction. As a result, more than 150 million components coated with Triondur were delivered worldwide in 2018. Defossilization of the energy chain requires increased industrialization of components for electrolyzers and fuel cells, such as the metallic bipolar plates of galvanic cells. Here too, plasma surface technology will play a key role in meeting the high demands for the required electrochemical properties and quality standards. For CO2-neutral and sustainable mobility, plasma surface technology will continue to be a key technology, regardless of the powertrain concept.