Electrochemical Energy Converters and Storage Devices

• Development of promising systems such as redox-flow-, Li/air-zinc-flow/air-batteries,
  bio fuel cells

• Catalyst development and characterisation for PEM fuelcells

• Corrosion- and coking-resistant catalysts for SOFC anodes

• Efficient air electrodes in metal/air batteries

• Optimisation of gas diffusion electrodes

• Investigation into using carbazol as a H2 storage system

• Implementation of boron-doped diamond electrodes and dimensionally stable anodes

Globally, the demand for energy has increased dramatically. At the same time fossil fuel reserves are limited and power generation from nuclear fission is controversially discussed. Therefore a radical change in the energy mix is expected in the very near future. One of the most important goals of the German government focuses on the expansion of renewable energies up to 60% of the gross final energy consumption and 80% of the gross electricity consumption by 2050. In order to better regulate seasonal- and weather-dependent energy production, novel energy storage plants are required. One promising strategy is based on the development of peripheral electrochemical energy storage and conversion plants such as electrolysis and fuel cells for hydrogen production and combustion, double-layer supercaps, as well as redox-flow, lithium-ion and zinc/air batteries.

For over ten years, catalysts and gas diffusion electrodes for Direct Methanol (DMFC), Hydrogen (H2-PEM), Solid Oxide (SOFC) Fuel Cells as well as for zinc/air batteries have been developed at DECHEMA Forschungsinstitut in numerous projects. Moreover, materials have been investigated especially for strongly carburising gases and highly aggressive atmospheres. Results to date have shown that some of them exhibit promising properties for methane- and biogas-fuelled SOFCs as well as for methanol reforming applications. This research cluster aims to bundle together the existing expertise in the different working groups and generate new project ideas around the research focus area "electrodes for energy storage and conversion devices". Relevant questions and strategies are discussed together with other experts from research and industry in the context of workshops.