Abteilung Materialchemie für Katalyse

Abteilung

Research Overview

The Materials Chemistry for Catalysis Laboratory focuses on the discovery and design of new materials for electrocatalytic energy conversion and chemical transformation. Our work combines curiosity-driven exploration with purposeful innovation, aiming to create catalysts that can drive sustainable chemical reactions with high efficiency and selectivity.

We design materials across multiple length scales from bulk intermetallic compounds to nanostructured alloys, high-entropy materials, oxides, phosphides, nitrides, , and single-atom catalysts using a variety of precise synthesis approaches such as chemical reduction, electrodeposition, thermal conversion, and thin-film deposition. These approaches allow us to tailor composition, structure, and surface chemistry to uncover how each parameter influences catalytic performance.

Our experiments go beyond measuring activity: we seek to understand why catalysts behave the way they do. Using advanced operando and in-situ tools such as X-ray absorption spectroscopy, Raman, infrared, and electron microscopy, we observe catalysts in action capturing the evolution of active sites, oxidation states, and reaction intermediates under realistic working conditions. This fundamental understanding helps us connect atomic-scale processes to macroscopic performance.

Through this integrated approach, we address key electrochemical reactions including green hydrogen generation from water splitting, CO₂ reduction to valuable fuels and chemicals, and selective oxidation of biomass- and plastic-derived molecules. Our goal is to build a scientific foundation that guides the rational design of next-generation catalytic materials, paving the way toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy and chemical future.

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