Invitation
The International Conference on Inorganic Membranes (ICIM) is held every second year in rotation around the world. The 15th ICIM took place in Dresden from June 18–22, 2018, at the Hotel Westin Bellevue Dresden. This global high-level event brought together scientists, engineers, and professionals to encourage and promote research in membrane science, technology, and application — including a dedicated session on functional layers for batteries and fuel cells.
The conference was hosted by the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems (IKTS) and co-organized by Forschungszentrum Jülich.
Organizing Committee
Chair: Dr. Ingolf Voigt, Fraunhofer IKTS
Co-chairs: Prof. Dr. Alexander Michaelis (Fraunhofer IKTS) and Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Albert Meulenberg (Forschungszentrum Jülich)
Press & Public Relations: Anja Ziesche, Fraunhofer IKTS
General inquiries: info@icim2018.com
Program Highlights
Speaker Sessions
Plenary speeches: 45 min + 5 min discussion. Keynote: 25 min + 5 min. Regular talks: 15 min + 5 min. PhD student contest: 10 min + 5 min.
Poster Session
Posters were hung on Monday, June 18 (16:00–20:00). The poster session took place on Tuesday, June 19, 2018. The Best Poster award was presented at the conference dinner on Thursday, June 21.
Special Issue
A special issue of the Journal of Separation and Purification Technology was associated with the conference. The paper submission deadline was extended to August 31, 2018.
Registration Fees
| Category | Early Bird (until Apr 30, 2018) | Late Bird (from May 1, 2018) |
|---|---|---|
| Regular* | 550 Euro | 650 Euro |
| Reduced** | 300 Euro | 400 Euro |
| Exhibitor | 2,000 Euro (+ 19% VAT) | |
* Speakers and poster presenters qualify for the regular fee. ** Exhibitor second persons, students (with valid student ID), and IKTS/FZ Jülich employees qualify for the reduced fee.
Registration included conference sessions, proceedings, the June 18 workshop, the June 19 poster session, the June 20 cultural program, the PhD student speech contest, the June 21 conference dinner, the industrial exhibition, and catering during breaks.
Payment was accepted by bank transfer or cheque only; credit card payment was not possible.
The International Conference on Inorganic Membranes has long served as a cornerstone event for the global membrane community. Held every two years in rotation across different continents, the conference brings together leading scientists, engineers, and industry professionals who share a common interest in the advancement of inorganic membrane science and technology. This recurring international gathering fosters cross-disciplinary dialogue and helps shape the future direction of research and application in the field.
Inorganic membranes occupy a unique position in separation technology, offering exceptional thermal stability, chemical resistance, and mechanical strength compared to their polymeric counterparts. These materials find application in demanding environments where conventional membranes would fail, including high-temperature gas separation, corrosive chemical processing, and advanced energy systems. The conference series has consistently highlighted both fundamental understanding and practical deployment of ceramic, metallic, and hybrid membrane systems.
A distinctive feature of the conference program is its broad thematic scope, encompassing everything from membrane synthesis and characterization to module design and industrial integration. Sessions typically explore porous and dense membrane architectures, transport mechanisms, and the interplay between material structure and separation performance. By covering the full spectrum from laboratory-scale discoveries to pilot-plant demonstrations, the event provides attendees with a comprehensive view of the state of the art.
Energy-related applications have become an increasingly prominent focus within the inorganic membrane community. Dedicated sessions on functional layers for batteries and fuel cells reflect the growing recognition that membrane technologies can play a transformative role in electrochemical energy storage and conversion. Researchers present work on solid-state electrolytes, electrode coatings, and ion-conducting ceramics that push the boundaries of efficiency and durability in next-generation energy devices.
The hosting of the conference by institutions such as the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems underscores the strong connection between academic research and applied innovation. Fraunhofer IKTS, along with partners from Forschungszentrum Jülich and other leading organizations, represents a hub of expertise in ceramic processing, component manufacturing, and system integration. This institutional backing ensures that the conference remains grounded in both scientific rigor and industrial relevance.
Collaboration across national and institutional boundaries is a defining characteristic of the inorganic membrane field. The conference draws participants from Europe, North America, Asia, and beyond, with strong representation from countries including Germany, the Netherlands, France, Japan, China, Norway, Australia, and the United States. This international mix enriches the scientific program and creates opportunities for new partnerships that accelerate the translation of research into practical solutions.
The scientific committee plays a vital role in shaping the conference program and maintaining high standards of quality. Composed of respected figures from universities, national laboratories, and research institutes worldwide, the committee reviews submissions, organizes thematic sessions, and invites keynote speakers who represent the forefront of membrane science. Their collective expertise ensures that the event remains a trusted platform for rigorous scientific exchange.
Beyond the formal lecture program, the conference offers valuable opportunities for informal networking and discussion. Poster sessions, exhibition spaces, and social events allow attendees to connect with peers, explore new collaborations, and engage with companies showcasing the latest membrane products and characterization tools. These interactions often spark ideas that lead to joint projects and long-term professional relationships.
The venue itself contributes to the character of each conference edition. Hosting the event in a city like Dresden, with its rich scientific heritage and architectural beauty, adds a cultural dimension to the technical program. Attendees benefit not only from the formal sessions but also from the experience of gathering in a setting that inspires reflection and conversation outside the lecture hall.
Looking ahead, the International Conference on Inorganic Membranes continues to evolve in response to emerging challenges and opportunities. Topics such as carbon capture, water purification, hydrogen production, and sustainable chemical manufacturing are driving new research directions that will feature prominently in future editions. The conference remains committed to providing a unique platform where the global membrane community can share insights, debate issues, and collectively advance the field.
Venue
The conference was held at the Hotel Westin Bellevue Dresden, located in the center of Dresden — an internationally known artistic, cultural, and scientific metropolis in Saxony.
Address: Grosse Meissner Strasse 15, 01097 Dresden, Germany
Dresden's historic landmarks — the Zwinger, Semper Opera House, Royal Palace, and Frauenkirche — define the Elbe waterfront and the face of the city.
Connect With Us
Contact: info@icim2018.com
Hosted & Co-Organized By
Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems (IKTS)
Forschungszentrum Jülich