Research

Efficient and scalable electrochemical energy storage systems are needed, among other things, to ensure an environmentally friendly energy supply. Furthermore, they are the cornerstone of sustainable electromobility.

Our research activities in the field of energy storage focus on the following areas:

• Hydrogen production via electrolysis

The industrial production of hydrogen using renewable energy sources represents an important milestone on the path to a CO₂-neutral economy and mobility. This requires the further development of robust and scalable electrolysis processes, particularly membrane-based processes such as PEM (polymer electrolyte membrane) and AEM (alkaline anion-exchange membranes). Our research in this area focuses on the development of corrosion-resistant materials for electrolyzer components, cost-effective catalysts, and the optimization of flow conditions within the electrolyzer cells.

Contact: Mathias Fritz

•  Improving energy and power density through targeted material optimization and the synthesis of novel structures

Improved performance of battery materials is achieved through various methods, including nanosynthesis, nanostructuring, surface modification of active materials, and new approaches to transition metal substitution in cathode materials. The selection of high-energy active materials and the investigation of their structural properties are crucial for improving performance. Our materials research includes, among others, metal-substituted NMC, LMNO spinels, silicon, and TiO_₂-based anode materials.

• Improving safety through new electrolytes and investigating degradation mechanisms in lithium-ion batteries

Our safety-related activities include the development of new electrolytes and additives to minimize safety issues. Key aspects for improving battery safety include non-flammable electrolytes (e.g., ionic liquids), additive-modified electrolytes, and the investigation of the impact of water contamination.

• Application of novel analytical methods

To investigate our materials and the electrolyte-electrode interfaces, we employ important analytical methods such as atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, electrochemical dilatometry, and impedance spectroscopy, among others.

Contact: Priv.-Doz. Dr.-Ing. habil. Svetlozar Dimitrov Ivanov; Dr.-Ing. Michael Stich

Hydrogen production could become a key component of the future energy supply. There are various ways to produce hydrogen. Currently, hydrogen is mainly produced using traditional methods such as steam reforming of natural gas, water electrolysis, and chemical dehydrogenation. Photoelectrochemical water splitting is another environmentally friendly method for producing hydrogen using a photoelectrode. In this process, sunlight is directly harnessed through a semiconductor electrode for solar water splitting.

Photoelectrochemistry combines the fields of semiconductor physics, electrochemistry, and materials science. The most important requirements for the semiconductor electrode are:

 - Good light absorption in the visible spectrum

- Position of the band edges relative to the water redox potential

- High photoelectrochemical stability

- Efficient charge transfer

- Catalytic activity

- Low cost

In this research area, we conduct research on materials for photoelectrochemical hydrogen production. We investigate both classical semiconductor materials, such as silicon and III-V semiconductors, and the fabrication of porous Cu₂O semiconductor electrodes. Our research focuses on material stability, kinetics at the interface between the semiconductor and the electrolyte, catalytic effects, charge transport, and the optical parameters of the semiconductor.

Contact: Mathias Fritz

Compounds such as polyaniline (PAni), polypyrrole (PPy), and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) are examples of intrinsically conductive polymers. They possess multiple oxidation states, each with distinct properties (e.g., color, bandgap, conductivity, or volume). Potential applications for these polymers include antistatic coatings and electrode materials in sensors.

By incorporating inorganic materials (e.g., nanoscale metal particles), hybrid materials are obtained that often advantageously combine the properties of both components. We are pursuing this approach primarily with regard to sensor and catalytic applications.

Contact: Dr. rer. nat. Adriana Ispas