Electrocatalys­is

Electrocatalysis is a central component of important applications such as fuel cells or water electrolysis. We are investigating the structure of molecular and material-based catalysts under working conditions. At the same time, we want to determine important correlations between the structure of the activated centers and the efficiency and selectivity of the reaction. In general, we are interested in all possible reactions and catalysts. The aim of our investigations is to identify important sub-steps such as substrate binding, reaction intermediates as well as electron and proton transfer and to find commonalities between different systems and reactions.

More information can be found here:
Ramuglia (ChemcatChem), Krumbiegel (Chem. Commun.), Ramuglia (ChemElektroChem), Göbel (J. Phys. Chem.)

2D materials

Molecularly defined 2D materials show unique properties in the field of electrochemical energy storage and transformation. The structure of these materials differs in the electrochemically activated state compared to their resting state. While the quiescent state can be determined very well with structure elucidating methods such as SEM or XRD, the analysis of the electrochemically active state is much more difficult. We mainly use in-situ vibrational spectroscopy in combination with electrochemical methods to obtain information on the active state. A special focus is on the analysis of redox transitions, protonation processes and local electric fields.

For more information see:
Reichmayr (Adv.Mat.Int), Feuerstein (ACS Mat Int), Dominic (J. Phys. Chem), Zhong (Nat. Commun)

Persons:
Anu Joseph
Fanny Reichmayr
Linda Feuerstein 

Projects: SFB1415, RTG2861

Electrochemical recycling of carbon fibers

The use of carbon fibers as reinforcement in the construction sector has the potential to significantly reduce_CO2 emissions in this area, as replacing steel with carbon greatly reduces the amount of cement required. However, the production of carbon fibers itself is very energy-intensive, so that without effective recycling of these fibers no satisfactory sustainability can be achieved. In this context, we are therefore working on electrochemical recycling methods for polymer-impregnated carbon fibers. In contrast to conventional processes, the electrochemical recycling of fibers can be carried out at room temperature under mild chemical conditions and with the help of renewable energy sources.

Persons:
Vinh Phong Ly
Stefan Röher

Projects: TRR 280

Electrochemical cement production

The production of cement is responsible for around 8% of CO2 emissions worldwide. As part of the new Cluster of Excellence CARE, we are testing electrochemical processes for cement production that can potentially be carried out in a CO2-neutral manner. The conversion of starter materials such as CaCO3 to cement precursors such as Ca(OH)2 is coupled to water electrolysis and is driven by the local pH gradients within the electrolyzer. By using silicates as starting material and the subsequent recycling of the generated hydrogen, this process can in principle even produce CO2 negative cement.

For more information see:
Ramuglia (Adv.Sci)

People:
Anthony Ramuglia
Stefan Röher

Projects: CARE