Young Investigator Group: Electrochemical Conversion of CO2

The Electrochemical Conversion of CO₂ group is researching how carbon dioxide and water can be converted electrochemically into hydrocarbons such as methane and methanol using renewable energies. 

 

Researchers are faced with the major challenge of developing new solutions for reducing the harmful emissions of carbon dioxide into our environment. One feasible solution is to use clean energy that will convert carbon dioxide and water electrochemically into hydrocarbons such as methane, methanol and ethylene, which are important raw materials for the chemical industry. The biggest hurdle will be improving the energy efficiency, reaction rates and yields from CO₂ catalysis.

 

The research group is designing novel electrocatalyst materials possessing heterogeneous bimetallic surfaces. Using advanced spectroscopy and spectrometry techniques, we observe catalytic processes in situ in order to reveal detailed chemical information about the catalyst–molecule interactions in real time. This will produce new insights into guided catalyst design, catalytic mechanisms and principles of cell design, insights which will help to reveal the potential of electrochemical CO₂ reduction as a technology for producing valuable hydrocarbons.

 

See below for current job vacancies. Interested prospective students (Master's or PhD) or postdocs are always welcome to contact us at EE-NECC-head@helmholtz-berlin.de on a rolling basis. Please provide a motivation letter and CV.