Research topics
Conversion of waste substrates into value added products
We are investigating tandem processes by coupling electrochemistry with biochemical or thermal pretreatments to convert highly complex waste substrates into defined molecular products with added values. We could demonstrate this concept for the conversion of food waste and waste polyolefins into alkene as defined products.
Currently we are investigating these concepts with our company partner Protovation.
ChemSusChem, 2025, 18, 10, e202402515
ChemCatChem, 2023, 15, 20, e202300648
Energy storage systems
We are aiming to improve energy storage systems such as Redox Flow Batteries, by understanding degradation mechanisms and electrochemical redox reactions on an atomic level. This includes the development of improved electrode materials and advanced surface analysis techniques.
Development of novel catalyst materials
We design and synthesize novel (electro)catalytic materials, by controlling the nature and distribution of active sites. We are particularly interested in functional carbon materials and nanostructured metals and metal oxides.
Advanced surface analytic methods
To unravel deactivation mechanism of electrodes and reaction pathways of catalytic reactions we apply various surface analytic techniques. At CEST we are operating a Low Energy Ion Scattering (LEIS) system, which is even more surface senstive compared to XPS.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024, 12, 22565-22575
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 2024, 661, 574-587
PichlerLab
