Special electrochemical arrangements allow for the direct transformation of chemical into electrical energy (thus not limited by Carnot's efficiency). Fuel cells are expected to serve as powerful and highly efficient technology for low-emission vehicles (polymer electrolyte fuel cells, PEM-FC) and for stationary applications (solid oxide fuel cells, SOFC) with the advantage of good scalability.
Research areas:
Elementary transport and reaction mechanisms in fuel cells (electrodes and electrolytes)
Novel materials for electrodes (mixed conductors) and electrolytes (proton and oxide ion conductors)
Current Projects: