G2: Functionalized carbon materials and operando analysis for molecular understanding of electrocatalytic activation of oxygen and hydrogen
In order to make hydrogen efficiently usable as an energy carrier, it is essential to develop highly effective and cost-effective catalyst materials that catalyze the electrode reactions in fuel cells and electrolyzers. In particular, the cathodic reactions of oxygen reduction and hydrogen evolution are to be investigated within the scope of the present project. Both reactions require an efficient transport of protons to the catalytic center, which will be systematically investigated on heteroatom-doped and molecularly functionalized carbon materials using spectroelectrochemical techniques. A special focus is on investigations depending on the pore size. The project benefits from the expertise in inorganic materials chemistry from another cluster project, which provides porous carbon electrodes.
Doctoral Students: Stefan Röher
Main (First) Supervisor: Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Inez Marita Weidinger
Second Supervisor: N. N.