Our research focuses on investigating electrochemical reactions at solid-liquid interfaces on electrodes and single cells, with a particular emphasis on technologies relevant to the energy transition. Specifically, we are currently studying the CO2 reduction reaction, oxygen evolution reaction in PEM water electrolysis, electrolysis of biomass, and technical organic electrosynthesis processes. We analyze the interplay between electrode kinetics, mass transport, material properties, and product formation during electrochemical reactions. By combining physicochemical models and experimental investigations in the laboratory, we aim to identify and analyze electrocatalytic processes to gain fundamental and technically relevant insights into the interaction of these processes and their operating limits, which are crucial for the development of future-oriented technologies.

To achieve this goal, our laboratory utilizes online diagnostic and dynamic experimental methods. With our dynamic analysis approach, we can break down complex electrochemical processes into individual subprocesses by differentiating their time constants and analyzing them separately. This approach enables us to identify limiting processes and relevant parameters more precisely than conventional methods. We further support this with model-based analysis and simulations.

Our laboratory employs various experimental techniques, such as cyclic voltammetry (CV), rotating disk electrode (RDE) experiments, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), nonlinear impedance spectroscopy (NFRA), differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS), gas or liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS, HPLC-MS), surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (ATR-SEIRAS), and UV-Vis spectroscopy.

Our model-based approach allows us to systematically analyze electrochemical processes from microkinetic to macrokinetic scales, including complex mass transport. Experimentally validated reaction kinetics and thermodynamic energy values (from DFT) serve as the basis for our physicochemical models and simulations. We apply rigorous mathematical optimization strategies to systematically improve processes or perform scenario-based analyses to determine operating parameters and process conditions.

Open positions and bachelor and master theses in our working group can be found here.

Contact: Dr. Philipp Röse (Group Leader)