Projects
SFB/TRR 196: Mobile Material Characterization and Localization by Electromagnetic Sensing
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SFB/TRR 196: Mobile Material Characterization and Localization by Electromagnetic Sensing
- Funding :
- Since 2017
- Contact:
-
Thomas Kaiser (Spokesperson)
- Website:
- https://trrmarie.de/sfbtrr196marie/
Abstract
More than 100 years ago, scientists invented a Mobile Camera Receiver to take pictures in any place. More than 30 years ago, engineering scientists invented a Mobile Communica-tion Transceiver to make phone calls in any place. Almost 4 years ago we starte
SFB/TRR 270: HoMMage – Hysteresis Design of Magnetic Materials for Efficient Energy Conversion
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SFB/TRR 270: HoMMage – Hysteresis Design of Magnetic Materials for Efficient Energy Conversion
- CENIDE Research Focus:
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Magnetic materials
- Funding :
- Since 2020
- Contact:
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Michael Farle (Deputy spokesperson)
Oliver Gutfleisch (Spokesperson)
- Website:
- https://www.tu-darmstadt.de/sfb270
Abstract
The CRC/TRR 270 will develop a detailed understanding of magnetic hysteresis in bulk magnets on all length scales and will discover novel, efficient and sustainable permanent magnet and magnetocaloric materials operating close to their physical limits. Wi
SFB/TRR 247: Heterogeneous Oxidation Catalysis in the Liquid Phase – Mechanisms and Materials in Thermal, Electro-, and Photocatalysis
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SFB/TRR 247: Heterogeneous Oxidation Catalysis in the Liquid Phase – Mechanisms and Materials in Thermal, Electro-, and Photocatalysis
- CENIDE Research Focus:
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Catalysis
- Funding :
- Since 2018
- Contact:
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Stephan Schulz (Deputy spokesperson)
Kristina Tschulik (Spokesperson)
- Website:
- https://www.sfbtrr247.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/
Abstract
The project aims at bringing heterogeneous oxidation catalysis in the liquid phase to a level of fundamental understanding that is comparable to metal catalysis in the gas phase, i.e. to unravel the nature of the catalytically active sites and the reactio
SPP 2403: Carnot Batteries: Inverse Design from Markets to Molecules
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SPP 2403: Carnot Batteries: Inverse Design from Markets to Molecules
- CENIDE Research Focus:
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Functional materials for energy applications
- Funding :
- Since 2023
- Contact:
-
Burak Atakan (Coordinator)
- Website:
- https://www.uni-due.de/spp2403
Abstract
The inexpensive, location-independent, and resource-saving storage of electrical energy is the central unsolved problem in the transition to fluctuating energy sources. One possible solution would be the emerging technology of Carnot batteries (CBs), where electrical energy is converted into heat by high-temperature heat pumps, which are then stored in inexpensive materials such as water, stones, or molten salts, and then converted back into electrical energy as needed, e.g., by means of steam turbines. The thermodynamic principle has been known for a long time, nevertheless there are so far no general methods for their design or their evaluation based on the fundamentals and the objectives. Carnot batteries are complex coupled, time-varying systems with a large number of components and degrees of freedom. Published efficiencies and costs are rarely verified or apply only to specific systems; integration into future energy markets is unexplored. The fundamentally new approach of this priority program (SPP) is the comprehensive inverse top-down design methodology, which, starting from the target variables (market) step by step towards the smaller, aims at the optimal design as well as optimal modes of operation, with corresponding cycles, storages, machines, and fluids (molecule), and in turn optimally combines these components - which have not been considered so far. Especially the working fluids and their mixtures are co-optimized with the process configurations and process parameters to find the technical and economical limits. The market needs and the limits of CBs is to be investigated by an interdisciplinary SPP team. By building up a new interdisciplinary community, a high methodological and content-related gain in knowledge is expected, which is transferable to further energy-technological questions. This will be done in the inversely arranged project areas, which build on each other and cooperate intensely: A - Carnot batteries in energy markets, B - Design of Carnot batteries, C - Components for Carnot batteries. The work of the SPP will be pooled and validated by a shared Carnot battery laboratory, which will be set-up within the coordination project and can be used by the participants of the SPP for validation of their models and for investigating the coupling of different interconnected parts of a CB. The cooperation and exchange between the participants will be coordinated, by organizing workshops, student exchanges, seminars, and includes the involvement of internationally renowned scientists from different disciplines. The management of research data will be facilitated and managed by the coordination project, as well as the communication of the results to the public.
SPP 2122: Materials for Additive Manufacturing
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SPP 2122: Materials for Additive Manufacturing
- Funding :
- Since 2018
- Contact:
-
Stephan Barcikowski (Coordinator)
Anna Ziefuß (Project member)
- Website:
- https://www.uni-due.de/matframe/index.php
Abstract
Lasers in production are becoming increasingly powerful and brilliant, but the materials available are often completely inadequate for the processing tasks currently required. To date, metal powders are used in additive manufacturing that were developed over 50 years ago for a completely different process - thermal spraying. However, in modern laser-based additive processes, these powders lead to process instabilities, porosities, and defects in the component. In the field of polymer powders, there is also a lack of a wide range of materials. Therefore, there is an urgent need to adapt the materials to these widespread production processes, as laser-based processes will dominate important production processes in the long term due to their throughput and precision. In fact, a fundamental research approach already at the beginning of the process chain, the material, is required. Therefore, there is an urgent need for action to defend and further expand Germany's leading position worldwide in photonics and materials science. A coordinated, coherent research program combining materials development and photonics research for the first time, starting at the materials synthesis stage, should help exploit this considerable potential. To ensure feedback between process behavior and material properties, the SPP will fund tandem projects from the fields of "materials" and "laser process", which will cooperate across projects in thematic clusters. The scientific questions will be formulated across materials and focused on the photonic process of additive laser manufacturing. With this, for the first time, chemical, as well as metallurgical and additive-based modifications, will be developed specifically for photonic production. Such a large-scale interdisciplinary study requires targeted coordination and enables a unique Interlaboratory Study (Round Robin), including Research Data Management. Only by this, is it possible to generate an inter-laboratory scientific exchange, which guarantees reproducibility and statistical robustness.
SPP 1980: Sprayflame Synthesis
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SPP 1980: Sprayflame Synthesis
- CENIDE Research Focus:
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Gas-phase synthesis of nanomaterials
- Funding :
- Since 2017
- Contact:
-
Christof Schulz (Coordinator)
- Website:
- https://www.uni-due.de/spp1980/
Abstract
Sprayflame synthesis offers a promising approach for the production of functional nanomaterials. The viability of this route has already been proven for a wide range of materials on the laboratory scale. Compared to existing large-scale methods for nanomaterials synthesis in pure gas-phase processes, the sprayflame synthesis provides access to an abundance of additional materials, which cannot be produced with other processes. The actual industrial application of sprayflame synthesis has failed so far due to the necessity of using expensive starting materials and a lack of understanding of the process. This situation should be overcome by an interdisciplinary approach within the SPP1980 which lays the foundations for practical applications of sprayflame synthesis. The chances for this are excellent within an interdisciplinary collaborative network that links recent developments on experimental, theoretical, and simulation techniques that have been previously used in their individual research disciplines. Their combination will allow to analyze and describe the underlying sub-processes. The aim of this priority program is to develop the fundamental understanding and the simulation capabilities for of sprayflame synthesis processes and to establish an interdisciplinary research network. Sub-processes will be analyzed and their understanding will be integrated into a comprehensive model that provides the chance for the development of processes that are based on inexpensive starting materials and that can be scaled-up to an industrial scale for the targeted production of materials with a wide range of properties.
FOR 2284: Model-based scalable gas-phase synthesis of complex nanoparticles
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FOR 2284: Model-based scalable gas-phase synthesis of complex nanoparticles
- CENIDE Research Focus:
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Gas-phase synthesis of nanomaterials
- Funding :
- Since 2015
- Contact:
-
Christof Schulz (Spokesperson)
- Website:
- https://www.uni-due.de/for2284/
Abstract
Functional materials based on inorganic nanoparticles have a greatapplication potential. Beyond the pure variation of the chemicalcomposition, the structure size opens new dimensions for the creationof unusual materials properties. Highly potent energy storagematerials, noble metal free catalysts, efficient semiconducting lightabsorbers and emitters, or biocompatible materials for medicaldiagnostics are just a few examples of the range of applications ofinorganic nanomaterials. Apart from the composition of the resultingprimary particles in the synthesis process, the morphology ofsecondary and tertiary structures determines the practical applicabilityof the materials. In order to influence and utilize these structure-basedproperties, highly specific synthesis routes are imperative. On thebasis of the primary nanoparticles, this facilitates the selective andreproducible adjustment of structure size, morphology, andstructurally defined materials combinations. To be able to producenanomaterials with the appropriate characteristics in industriallyrelevant quantities, the scalability of the processes must also beensured, and this is something for which the gas-phase synthesis isparticularly suitable. This is where the vision of the Research Unittakes effect. Based on the understanding of the elementary steps ofprecursor chemistry, particle formation, particle-particle interaction,and in situ functionalization, design rules for synthesis processes andreactors are developed and demonstrated. These enable a targetedsynthesis, modification, and structuring of nanoparticles in the gasphase. Two materials systems are examined as an example –composites based on iron and iron oxide nanoparticles and structuredsilicon particles and nanocomposites. As the focus of the ResearchUnit is on the combination of analysis, modeling, and simulation,materials and processes are sequentially investigated with anincrease in complexity. Thus, at every intermediate stage, feedbackwith the experiment and validation of the simulations and design rulescan be ensured. The project opens up the producibility of newmaterial variations as well as being aimed at the development ofscalable processes and research-based, validated simulationmethods. These are essential foundations for a reliable use of highlyspecific functional nanoparticle ensembles and their industrialapplication.
FOR 1993: Multi-functional conversion of chemical species and energy
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FOR 1993: Multi-functional conversion of chemical species and energy
- Funding :
- 2013 - 2023
- Contact:
-
Burak Atakan (Spokesperson)
- Website:
- https://www.uni-due.de/for1993/
Abstract
The Research Unit investigates the potential of using combustion engines to achieve a flexible and simultaneous conversion of fuel to chemicals and different forms of energy along high temperature paths. The produced base chemicals can either be used in chemical industry or, due to their high energy density, for storing energy. The project draws on the considerable amount of knowledge gained from combustion science with respect to the experimental and theoretical investigation of high-temperature processes. However, instead of promoting complete combustion and reducing concentrations of other chemical components in the exhaust gases, the aim is now to identify useful chemicals and increase their concentrations under exergetically sound conditions. The strategy is guided by theory and experimental verification. In the basic-theory part, elementary kinetics reaction models are developed, the thermodynamics of the conversion are investigated and mathematical optimisation is used to find promising paths for efficient conversion. In the basic validation part, chemical kinetics experiments under well-defined conditions are conducted in order to improve and validate the predictive theoretical basis. Finally, in the machines-motors section (piston) engines are used to prove the concept of flexible chemical and energy conversion with small irreversibilities. The quality of the chemicals and conversion processes will be judged holistically by analysing the exergy (availability) balances. Making exergy the decision criterion to judge the quality of a process is a clear deviation from prior work in this field with the traditional aim of improving conversion efficiencies and reducing pollutants. Flexible machines could be used to provide base chemicals or to store available energy in form of chemical compounds. The concept could contribute to securing the energy supply for the future.
FOR 2982: UNODE - Unusual Anode Reactions
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FOR 2982: UNODE - Unusual Anode Reactions
- CENIDE Research Focus:
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Catalysis
- Funding :
- Since 2019
- Contact:
-
Corina Andronescu (Project member)
- Website:
- https://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/for2982/
Abstract
A future sustainable energy system based on hydrogen is inevitable and the generation of this energy carrier will be definitely achieved by electrolysis. The oxygen evolution in the course of water electrolysis represents still a challenge which consumes a significant amount of electric power due to high overpotentials. Alternative anodic conversions which do not liberate dioxygen but serve as useful and significant anodic transformations represent an innovative solution. For this aim, two different approaches are pursued: The development and establishing of electrochemical oxidation reactions with a high impact and technical relevance. Among others, the anodic functionalization of methane, the oxidation of alcohols, specifically glycerol under formation of e.g. lactic acid, the oxidation of hydroxymethylfurfural to the renewable platform chemical 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid, as well as the oxidation of amines to amine-N-oxides represent such challenging oxidative conversions. An alternative approach will anodically generate oxidizing equivalents which can later on be exploited to a variety of chemical applications. This strategy avoids the selectivity issues of rather complex molecules at the anode. In addition, it will establish a general route which opens up multipurpose applications and compensate fluctuations in the electric current consumptions since these oxidizers can be stored. In order to tackle these challenges in a knowledge-driven way, important tools of investigation such as operando electrochemistry/spectroscopy and the influence of the electrode morphology will be addressed. This research unit will bridge the gap from fundamentals of organic electrochemistry and electrocatalysis to prep-type electrolysis including initial steps to upscaling.
BatWoMan
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BatWoMan
- CENIDE Research Focus:
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Functional materials for energy applications
- Funding :
- 2022 - 2025
- Contact:
-
Harry Hoster (Project manager)
Theresa Schredelseker (Project member)
- Website:
- https://batwoman.eu/
Abstract
Europe’s leadership position in sustainable battery production will be secured via new sustainable and cost-efficient lithium-ion battery cell production. This is the goal of the EU-funded BatWoMan project, paving the way towards carbon-neutral cell production. The project’s efforts will focus on energy efficient and no volatile organic compounds processed electrodes, with slurries of high dry mass content. It will also establish an innovative dry room reducing concept with improved electrolyte filling. Low-cost and energy-efficient cell conditioning, namely wetting, formation and ageing, is also on the project’s agenda. An innovative platform based on AI will support these technological improvements. The overall goal of the project is to reduce by more than half the cell production cost and energy consumption.
EIT Raw Materials Innovation Project
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EIT Raw Materials Innovation Project
- CENIDE Research Focus:
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Functional materials for energy applications
- Funding :
- 2022 - 2025
- Contact:
-
Hartmut Wiggers (Project member)
- Website:
- https://eitrawmaterials.eu/high-performance-silicon-composites-for-lithium-ion-batteries/
Abstract
Batteries for mobile phones and electric vehicles rely on graphite anodes that reached their performance limits. The current market expects new anodes alternatives. Therefore, one of the major challenges for Europe is to find efficient and sustainable substitutes for critical raw materials. SIRIUS project led by Nanomakers kicked off work to supply the highest performance and cost-efficient silicon material for the battery market and e-mobility by upscaling Nanomakers’ production capacity. The idea was to secure the raw materials supply by working on two aspects. On the one hand, use silicon gas precursors to obtain silicon metal and the partial substitution of graphite. On the other hand, Nanomakers developed high capacity anodes to reduce the anode materials quantity in batteries.
Lead Project H2Giga
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Lead Project H2Giga
- CENIDE Research Focus:
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Catalysis
Functional materials for energy applications
- Funding :
- Since 2021
- Contact:
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Corina Andronescu (Project member)
Doris Segets (Project member)
Nicolas Wöhrl (Project member)
- Website:
- https://www.wasserstoff-leitprojekte.de/leitprojekte/h2giga
Abstract
To cover Germany’s demand for green hydrogen, large capacities of efficient and cost-effective electrolysers are needed. Although efficient electrolysers are already on the market today, they are usually still produced by hand. The H2Giga flagship project will therefore support the series production of electrolysers.
NanoMatFutur: MatGasDif – NanoMATerials as the basis for GASDIFfusion electrodes for highly selective CO2 reduction
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NanoMatFutur: MatGasDif – NanoMATerials as the basis for GASDIFfusion electrodes for highly selective CO2 reduction
- CENIDE Research Focus:
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Catalysis
- Funding :
- Since 2020
- Contact:
-
Corina Andronescu (Project manager)
- Website:
- https://www.werkstofftechnologien.de/projekte/nachwuchsfoerderung/nachwuchsgruppen-energietechnik/dr-ing-corina-andronescu-matgasdif
Abstract
In the fight against climate change, one thing is of particular interest: closing the carbon cycle. The aim is to maintain industrial efficiency and people's standard of living. The MatGasDif project is researching new catalysts and processes for the utilization of carbon dioxide.
HOSALIB – High-performance silicon-carbon composite as anode material for lithium-ion batteries (HOSALIB)
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HOSALIB – High-performance silicon-carbon composite as anode material for lithium-ion batteries (HOSALIB)
- CENIDE Research Focus:
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Functional materials for energy applications
- Funding :
- Since 2020
- Contact:
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Andreas Kempf (Project member)
Christof Schulz (Project member)
Doris Segets (Project member)
Hartmut Wiggers (Project member)
- Website:
- https://www.uni-due.de/2020-10-15-leistungsfaehiges-anodenmaterial-mit-evonik
Abstract
It is expected to be market-ready by 2023: Anode material for lithium ion batteries, leading to more powerful energy storage systems. The material has already been tested in the laboratories of the Center for Nanointegration (CENIDE) at the UDE. Since September 1, the German Federal Ministry of Economics is funding UDE with almost 1.7 million Euro to further develop the synthesis process in a joint project with Evonik and transfer it to industrial scale.
IMPRS on Reactive Structure Analysis for Chemical Reactions (RECHARGE)
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IMPRS on Reactive Structure Analysis for Chemical Reactions (RECHARGE)
- CENIDE Research Focus:
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Functional materials for energy applications
- Funding :
- 2021 - 2026
- Contact:
-
Christof Schulz (Project member)
Stephan Schulz (Project member)
Doris Segets (Project member)
Hartmut Wiggers (Project member)
Tobias Teckentrup (Project management)
- Website:
- https://imprs.cec.mpg.de/
Abstract
The training of young academics is essential for the future of science and research. Therefore the Max Planck Society launched a unique postgraduate training program – the International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRS). In a highly competitive process the Max-Planck-Institut für Chemische Energiekonversion (MPI CEC) was able to secure funding to establish a new IMPRS. Together with Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Universität Bonn and the neighboring Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung the IMPRS on Reactive Structure Analysis for Chemical Reactions (RECHARGE) was founded. Spokesperson for the Research School is Prof. Dr. Frank Neese, Director at MPI CEC.
IMPRS for Sustainable Metallurgy – from Fundamentals to Engineering Materials (SusMet)
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IMPRS for Sustainable Metallurgy – from Fundamentals to Engineering Materials (SusMet)
Abstract
The proposed IMPRS-SusMet will address and answer fundamental questions in the emerging field of Sustainable Metallurgy. Metallurgy is one of the core foundations of modern society and has provided humankind since more than five millennia, the beginning of the bronze age, with materials, tools and the associated progress. In the past, research in metallurgy was mainly directed towards inventing new alloys, advancing mechanical properties through microstructure adjustment and reducing costs. The huge annual production of nowadays about 2 billion tons of metallic materials is not only an engineering success story but has also become the biggest single industrial environmental burden of our generation. The present grand societal challenges in the context of sustainability, energy, transportation, health and pollution therefore require fundamental and disruptive innovations in the field of metallurgy. Key topics that need to be addressed in this context are (i) primary synthesis, which is e.g. for steels one of the largest global sources of greenhouse gas emissions, (ii) secondary synthesis (recycling), (iii) increasing operation and service lifetimes and related to this (iv) prevention and reduction of environmental induced degradation (e.g. corrosion). These challenges do not only encompass mass produced materials such as steels and aluminium but also scarce ones such as copper and lithium as well as cobalt and rare earth elements.
DIMENSION
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DIMENSION
- CENIDE Research Focus:
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Functional materials for energy applications
- Funding :
- 2022 - 2024
- Contact:
-
Christof Schulz (Applicant Scientist)
Doris Segets (Applicant Scientist)
Corina Andronescu (Applicant Scientist)
Harry Hoster (Applicant Scientist)
Marion Franke (Project coordinator)
- Website:
- https://materials-chain.com/research/dimension/
Abstract
DIMENSION is a 3-year research project funded by the Mercator Research Center Ruhr (MERCUR) on new functional materials for energy conversion. With the ongoing transformation of the energy system to green electricity, electrochemical processes are gaining central importance. The materials that have been used to date, for example for electrolysers and fuel cells, are expensive and exhausted. Scientists at University of Duisburg-Essen, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, and other institutions have therefore set themselves the goal of developing new and high-performance electrochemical materials.
MAT4HY.NRW
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MAT4HY.NRW
- CENIDE Research Focus:
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Functional materials for energy applications
- Funding :
- 2023 - 2027
- Contact:
-
Doris Segets (Project member)
- Website:
- https://www.mat4hy.de/
Abstract
The use and efficiency of water electrolysers are crucial for the future supply with hydrogen and thus central to the success of the energy transition. Due to their high power densities and the possibility of discontinuous operation, membrane electrolysers play a central role in many application scenarios. The efficient interlocking of the building blocks of the value chain in the production of electrolysers is of great importance for the economic efficiency of the end application. Building blocks with high development and transfer potential include electrode materials, where the aim is to reduce the use of precious metals or substitute them. Material development and production as well as system integration must be dovetailed with the fundamental understanding of electrochemistry. The cooperation platform aims to sustainably strengthen and expand existing, thematically focused and cross-locational networks of the partners and participating companies along the knowledge and value chain. This increases the potential to transfer material-specific knowledge in the field of material synthesis and processing or electrochemistry to industry in addition to the end application "electrolyser". The aim is to find solutions for company-specific issues.
Natural Water to Hydrogen
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Natural Water to Hydrogen
- CENIDE Research Focus:
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Functional materials for energy applications
- Funding :
- 2023 - 2026
- Contact:
-
Corina Andronescu (Project coordinator)
- Website:
- https://www.uni-due.de/water2h2/
Abstract
“Natural Water to Hydrogen" will establish a new research profile at the UDE, in which the research fields of "water research" and "hydrogen" will be synergistically combined. Specifically, the project aims to increase the sustainability of hydrogen production through anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolysis. For the first time, a fundamental understanding is to be gained of how water quality, electrodes and membranes influence each other. Organic and inorganic lead substances will be used to quantify how/to what extent water needs to be purified before and during electrolysis. The new research profile will combine the UDE strategic research areas water research and nanosciences (catalysis) in the field of "Natural Water to Hydrogen".