Electro­chemistry

The development of new batteries with high energy densities, faster kinetics, higher stability and safety requires targeted basic research. To do this, it is necessary to determine which reversible electrochemical processes take place at high cell voltages and currents. When a battery is discharged, stored chemical energy is converted into electrical energy by so-called electrochemical redox reactions (transfer of electrons during the reactions).

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The Research Field

In the research field of electrochemistry, the scientists examine, among other things, the interfaces between the electrode (electron conductor) and electrolyte (ion conductor), where the battery-specific redox reaction takes place. The focus is on the structure of the interface down to the atomic level in order to understand the electrochemical processes and interactions occurring therein. The aim is to use models to record the processes in real energy storage systems and thus derive improvement approaches for the efficiency and stability of batteries. At the same time, alternatives to conventional lithium are being tested in order to create the basis for the battery type for the next generation and beyond.

Research groups at HIU

Prof. Dr. Roswitha Zeis Electrochemical Energy Conversion The research group "Electrochemical Energy Conversion" tests new materials and methods for the development of Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries and high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. View research group
Prof. Dr. Timo Jacob Basics of Electrochemistry The research group "Basics of Electrochemistry" studies the fundamental aspects of electrochemical processes in electrochemical storage units. One of the tasks is to study the changes taking place between the surface of the electrodes and the electrolytes during the processes of charging and discharging. View research group
Dr. Alberto Varzi Electrochemistry of Materials and Interfaces The group „Electrochemistry of Materials and Interfaces” addresses challenges related to materials for energy storage devices with particular focus on the phenomena occurring at interfaces, in order to gain fundamental understanding that can be exploited to in practical systems. View research group
Dr. Dominic Bresser Electrochemical Energy Storage Materials The group "Electrochemical Energy Storage Materials" researches a variety of materials and technologies for electrochemical energy storages. The group tries to create a fundamental understanding of the electrochemical reactions and mechanisms. View research group

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Topics from this Research Field

News from the science of the Helmholtz Institute Ulm: Here, scientists provide insights into their research.
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First German factory for battery electrolyte - Dr. Beltrop (E-Lyte) & Dr. Hofmann (KIT)

September 18th, 2023 It is the best-protected material recipe for a #battery: the #electrolyte. Consisting of solvents, conductive salts and additives, it enables ion mobility between the positive and negative poles within a battery. Without ... Learn more

BEV trucks vs. Hydrogen trucks - Dr. Jürgen Wagner (MAN)

August 20th, 2023 Dr. Jürgen Wagner (Vice President MAN Truck & Bus SE) explains his company's electrification strategy. In fact, the Munich-based company is pursuing a three-pronged approach: The manufacturer of commercial vehicles and truc... Learn more

Prof. Fichtner & Dr. Bresser - Sodium-Ion Batteries

May 7th, 2023 Sodium-ion batteries have been overshadowed by lithium-ion batteries for decades, but there is a thousand times more sodium in the earth's crust than lithium. And now battery chemistry has evolved to the point where sodium-ion b... Learn more

Prof. Fichtner - CATL "Condensed Battery"

April 26th, 2023 Have the European battery producers completely lost touch? Chinese battery manufacturers are celebrating new product successes everywhere: The first sodium batteries (BYD, CATL, 2021) are being produced in Asia, high-performa... Learn more

Prof. Stein - Pulsed charging in battery formation process

April 23rd, 2023 Traditionally, fresh battery cells are carefully charged for up to 24 hours immediately after production. This "formation process" is cost-intensive, time-consuming and usually takes a long time. A group of battery researcher... Learn more