The industry-oriented research at the Montanuniversity Leoben (MUL) is guided by the core principles of energy efficiency, climate neutrality, sustainability, zero waste, and circular economy. In collaboration with industrial partners, solutions to technological and societal challenges are developed in three areas of expertise.

In view of growing resource scarcity and in the context of the energy transition, specific resources such as lithium, phosphorus, cobalt, and rare earth elements are becoming increasingly important. Therefore, MUL’s research in the field of Advanced Resources focuses on the extraction, processing, and sustainable use of solid, liquid, and gaseous raw materials. This research is enabled by modern infrastructure, such as the “Zentrum am Berg” and the “Water and Carbon Research Center.”

Research topics include:
• Underground storage of hydrogen, carbon dioxide, methane, and energy
• Dealing with critical and strategic raw materials
• Extraterrestrial resource extraction
• CO2-free building materials
• Geothermal energy
• Artificial intelligence in raw-material-related research

In the Smart Materials field, intelligent materials and material systems with new functionalities are being developed. These are essential for enabling key technologies for industry to tackle climate change and ensure resource security. Another goal of the research is to develop materials that offer high performance while requiring fewer resources in their production. The disintegration and recyclability of materials are also a focus.

Research topics include:
• Virtual material design
• Material development for applications in extreme environments
• Materials for microelectronics
• Materials for energy technologies
• Materials for CO2 capture and storage
• Digital manufacturing and surface treatment
• Polymers and composite materials
• Biopolymers
• Artificial and natural composite materials
• Monitoring of smart materials

In the Sustainable Processing field, MUL focuses on technological innovations in industrial environmental and climate protection. The focus is on processes for decarbonizing industry through energy-efficient technologies, energy optimization of production sites, and measures for CO2 capture and utilization. In waste management, the emphasis is on linking material and product production with collection systems, as well as on developing material and product designs based on sustainable raw materials and recyclability. In the “Digital Waste Research Lab,” foundations are also being laid for digital waste analysis and processing.

Research topics include:
• Energy-efficient high-temperature process technologies
• Thermoelectric and thermochemical energy conversion
• Hydrogen metallurgy
• Zero waste and zero-emission processes
• Use of CO2 as a raw material
• Process technology for biogenic raw materials
• Recycling of industrial waste and end-of-life products
• Functionality of raw materials and materials
• Management of industrial and infrastructure risks
• Digitalization as part of the circular economy

Would you like to collaborate with the Montanuniversity Leoben in one of the areas mentioned? If so, contact us—we look forward to working with you to design and implement successful research projects.