Electrocatalysis: Synthesis to Devices

Projects and Collaborations

Ongoing Projects

Helmholtz Young Investigator Program (2022 – 2027)

Acknowledgement: Helmholtz Association's Initiative and Networking Fund (Helmholtz Young Investigator Group VH-NG-1719)

Our overall aim is to develop inexpensive, efficient and stable powder catalyst layers fabricated by combining Transition Metal Oxide (TMO) and MXene materials for Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) and Alkaline Exchange Membrane (AEM) based Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) in practical devices, through the understanding of these materials through in-situ/operando measurements. We envision that the TMOs will provide the active sites for the OER while the MXenes will provide a high surface area and hydrophilic support for the TMOs, while increasing the conductivity in the catalyst layer. The stability of the TMO/MXene hybrid will ultimately be improved when compared to the TMO and MXene only materials as a result of the TMO materials attaching/ being in close proximity to the edge sites of the MXene surface which will essentially block the MXene materials from degradation under OER conditions. As the TMO materials will be attached to the MXene, this will increase the electron transfer and conductivity properties of the TMO materials which should also increase the stability of the TMO materials under OER conditions.

Unlike most of the research carried out in the area of new catalysts for OER, this research will be carried out using actual PEM and AEM devices in conjunction with the conventional three-electrode cell configuration to allow for the testing of the new TMO/MXene materials under realistic conditions.

CatLab

CatLab - The Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB), Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft (FHI), and Max-Planck-Institut für Chemische Energiekonversion (CEC) bundled their competencies in catalysis research, thin film, nanotechnology, and operando analysis, to give life to CatLab. In synergy with the Humboldt University of Berlin, the partners of UniSysCat and the industry, CatLab aims to generate pioneering knowledge and provide vital technological solutions for the establishment of a green hydrogen economy.

Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) e.V.

We have various PhD students and Post docs funded in the group from DAAD funding paths which include the ERA Fellowships – Green Hydrogen (ERA Fellowships - Green Hydrogen - DAAD).

H2Demo

H2Demo - The aim of the H2Demo project is to produce the first large-scale demonstrators for direct solar hydrogen production. This is the absorption of sunlight in a semiconductor structure that generates a sufficiently large photovoltage > 1.6 volts to decompose water directly into hydrogen and oxygen. In the project, particularly promising tandem absorbers made of GaAsP/Si are being developed, which have the best chances of economic viability in combination with high efficiency and scalability.

Innopool

Innopool - The Innovation Pool project "Solar hydrogen: high purity and compressed" aims to improve both the scientific knowledge and the technological maturity of various viable technologies for the conversion of solar energy into hydrogen (H2). At the halfway point of the project, a review paper has been published in the journal "Angewandte Chemie International Edition" that focuses on the technological methods for producing compressed and high-purity hydrogen from solar energy. The aim of this extensive work, which involved several Helmholtz centers, was to provide a clear statement on the status quo of technologically achievable H2 purity and pressure levels. In this way, future development opportunities can be identified and potentially pursued.

Collaborators

Prof. Roel van de Krol and Dr. Karsten Harbauer, HZB.

Prof. Rutger Schlatmann and Dr. Iver Lauermann, PVcomB, HZB.

Dr. Tristan Petit, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, HZB.

Dr. Thorsten Schultz and Prof. Norbert Koch, Humboldt University and HZB.

Prof. Nicola Pinna, Humboldt University.

Prof. Valeria Nicolosi, Trinity College Dublin, TCD.

Prof. Zdenek Sofer, UCT Prague

Prof. Johanna Rosen, Linköping University.