Catalytic Interfaces for Chemical Hydrogen Storage (INW-1)

At the INW Institute Division INW-1 – Catalytic Interfaces, the focus is on the elementary processes on the catalyst surface during the de(hydrogenation) of hydrogen storage molecules. Our focus is on maximizing productivity, efficiency, and selectivity in order to optimize performance, mitigate losses, and degradation and reduce costs. The aim is to understand reaction and degradation mechanisms at the molecular level at the catalytically active interfaces in order to further extend the life cycle of the storage molecules through optimized catalyst materials. Another aim is to avoid the use of precious metal components, e.g. by developing new types of alloy catalysts. We are also researching new storage molecules, e.g. with reduced dehydrogenation energy or of biogenic origin, for which the elementary processes on the catalyst surface, suitable material combinations and relevant degradation mechanisms must be clarified and fundamentally understood. In addition to the focus topic of chemical hydrogen research and the corresponding focus molecules (e.g. methanol, DME, ammonia, methane, formic acid, LOHC), we also conduct research in the fields of electrochemical energy storage, water desalination, and direct lithium extraction.

In this context, we at INW-1 conduct basic and application-oriented research on mechanisms and processes at the atomic to mesoscale level with a focus on interfacial and transport phenomena. We work closely with the other Institutes of INW and Forschungszentrum Jülich to accelerate technology development in a holistic way. We interpret the gained fundamental understanding in the context of the material and device performance and thus contribute to predictable and scalable knowledge for rational design and new concepts for improved materials and processes. To investigate the corresponding phenomena, we use and develop X-ray and neutron-based methods across time and length scales and apply corresponding advanced (big) data analytics tools and machine learning. In this context, we operate corresponding advanced infrastructure and measurement equipment.

Director of the Institute

Prof. Dr. Hans-Georg Steinrück

Direktor INW-1

• Institute for a Sustainable Hydrogen Economy (INW)

Building Brainergy-Park-Jülich /
Room 2006

+49 2461/61-96042

E-Mail

Secretariat

Wilma Fladung

• Institute for a Sustainable Hydrogen Economy (INW)

Building Brainergy-Park-Jülich /
Room 2015

+49 2461/61-96055

E-Mail

Institute Departments

Fundamentals of Chemical Hydrogen Storage

Research of fundamental phenomena in order to maximize the selectivity of chemical hydrogen storage in addition to the highest possible productivity and efficiency.

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High-Energy X-Ray Methods

Development and utilization of high-energy X-ray methods to understand reaction and degradation mechanisms at the molecular scale at catalytically active interfaces.

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Interface Science of Hydrogen Storage Molecules

Development of a fundamental understanding of the interfaces relevant for chemical hydrogen storage, both under equilibrium and non-equilibrium conditions.

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Long-Term and High-Throughput Characterization

Atomic to mesoscale long-term investigations of the functionality and degradation of materials and devices for chemical hydrogen storage under practical conditions in high throughput and corresponding method development.

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Multiscale Multimodal Characterization

Development and application of novel methods and techniques for understanding chemical hydrogen storage, with a focus on viewing the same phenomena from different perspectives and linking time and length scales.

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Direct-LOHC-Fuel Cells

Investigation of fundamental phenomena for understanding hydrogen fuel cells operated with LOHCs and their practical implementation.

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