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Advanced materials and technologies for energy and information systems

Published: November 2025

Advanced materials and technologies for energy and information systems aim to increase efficiency and flexibility in energy conversion, storage, and data processing. Developments such as perovskite solar cells, thermal batteries, and photonic systems enable more sustainable energy use, particularly in conjunction with new applications in information processing (quantum and nanotechnologies). These developments are supported by smart materials and precise structural analyses, which allow for better scalability and adaptation to modern requirements. Overall, these technologies promise a significant reduction in energy losses and greater resilience to global challenges such as resource scarcity and climate change.

Guiding questions

  • How can novel materials contribute to long-term decarbonization and energy efficiency in industry, and which technologies offer the greatest potential?
  • What challenges and opportunities arise from the use of quantum and nanotechnologies in the energy sector and information processing?
  • How can advanced materials be designed to be sustainable and circular in order to reduce environmental impact and decrease dependence on critical raw materials?

challenges

The challenges with advanced materials and technologies for energy and information systems lie primarily in material stability and high production costs, which hinder scalability and integration into existing infrastructures. In addition to the durability of such systems, security issues are also a key focus, particularly for quantum and photonic systems, which pose new risks to data protection and cybersecurity. Furthermore, the production and recycling of these materials are often resource-intensive, necessitating sustainable approaches and circular economy solutions to minimize environmental impact and reduce dependence on raw materials.

Concrete examples

  • Perovskite solar cells (cost-effective and flexible)
  • Thermal batteries
  • Quantum motors (as propulsion for spacecraft or high-precision control systems in robotics)
  • Intelligent materials (e.g., self-healing data cables)
  • Biocompatible materials (wearable electronics that are biodegradable or recyclable)

Foresight Report

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Reference

Your contact persons

Reference

Michel Reichardt

Michel Reichardt Project Manager Strategic Foresight

Christoph Grollman

Christoph Grollman Project Manager Strategic Foresight

Dr. Sophia Gänßle

Dr. Sophia Gänßle Project Manager Data Science Strategic Foresight

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