CatLab - Catalysis Laboratory

CatLab - Catalysis Laboratory

Thin-Film Catalysts for one Sustainable Chemistry with Renewable Energies 

The urgently needed defossilisation of the energy system requires not only the drastic expansion of renewable electricity but also the development of alternative, sustainably produced material energy sources. A central task here is to develop new types of catalysts to ensure efficient conversion of chemical energy into electrical energy and vice versa - the core of CatLab. 


Featured Publications 

Facet Dependence of the Oxygen Evolution Reaction on Co3O4, CoFe2O4, and Fe3O4 Epitaxial Film Electrocatalysts

Facet Dependence of the Oxygen Evolution Reaction on Co3O4, CoFe2O4, and Fe3O4 Epitaxial Film Electrocatalysts

Davis, E. M., Bergmann, A., Kuhlenbeck, H. & Roldan Cuenya, B. Journal Of The American Chemical Society, 146(20), 13770–13782 (2024).

 

The Berlin Joint Lab for Electrochemical Interfaces, BElChem: A Facility for In-situ and Operando NAP-XPS and NAP-HAXPES Studies of Electrochemical Interfaces at BESSY II

The Berlin Joint Lab for Electrochemical Interfaces, BElChem: A Facility for In-situ and Operando NAP-XPS and NAP-HAXPES Studies of Electrochemical Interfaces at BESSY II

Starr, D. E., Hävecker, M., Knop-Gericke, A., Favaro, M., Vadilonga, S., Mertin, M., ... & van de Krol, R. Synchrotron Radiation News, 35(3), 54-60 (2022).

Comparative study of Co3O4 (111), CoFe2O4 (111), and Fe3O4 (111) thin film electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction

Comparative study of Co3O4 (111), CoFe2O4 (111), and Fe3O4 (111) thin film electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction

Davis, E. M., Bergmann, A., Zhan, C., Kuhlenbeck, H., & Cuenya, B. R. Nature Communications, 14(1), 4791 (2023).
 

Host, Suppressor, and Promoter—The Roles of Ni and Fe on Oxygen Evolution Reaction Activity and Stability of NiFe Alloy Thin Films in Alkaline Media

Host, Suppressor, and Promoter—The Roles of Ni and Fe on Oxygen Evolution Reaction Activity and Stability of NiFe Alloy Thin Films in Alkaline Media

Bao, F., Kemppainen, E., Dorbandt, I., Xi, F., Bors, R., Maticiuc, N., ... & Calnan, S. ACS Catalysis, 11(16), 10537-10552 (2021).
 

First Step of the Oxygen Reduction Reaction on Au(111): A Computational Study of O2 Adsorption at the Electrified Metal/Water Interface

First Step of the Oxygen Reduction Reaction on Au(111): A Computational Study of O2 Adsorption at the Electrified Metal/Water Interface

Dudzinski, A. M., Diesen, E., Heenen, H. H., Bukas, V. J., & Reuter, K. ACS Catalysis, 13(18), 12074-12081(2023).
 

Nanostructured Intermetallic Nickel Silicide (Pre)Catalyst for Anodic Oxygen Evolution Reaction and Selective Dehydrogenation of Primary Amines

Nanostructured Intermetallic Nickel Silicide (Pre)Catalyst for Anodic Oxygen Evolution Reaction and Selective Dehydrogenation of Primary Amines

Mondal, I., Hausmann, J. N., Vijaykumar, G., Mebs, S., Dau, H., Driess, M., & Menezes, P. W. Advanced Energy Materials, 12(25), 2200269 (2022).
 

In situ investigation of ion exchange membranes reveals that ion transfer in hybrid liquid/gas electrolyzers is mediated by diffusion, not electromigration

In situ investigation of ion exchange membranes reveals that ion transfer in hybrid liquid/gas electrolyzers is mediated by diffusion, not electromigration

Ralaiarisoa, M., Krishnamurti, S. S., Gu, W., Ampelli, C., van de Krol, R., Abdi, F. F., & Favaro, M. Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 11(25), 13570-13587 (2023).
 

Nanoscale Electron Transfer Variations at Electrocatalyst–Electrolyte Interfaces Resolved by in Situ Conductive Atomic Force Microscopy

Nanoscale Electron Transfer Variations at Electrocatalyst–Electrolyte Interfaces Resolved by in Situ Conductive Atomic Force Microscopy

Munz, M., Poon, J., Frandsen, W., Roldan Cuenya, B.& Kley, C. S. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 145(9), 5242–5251 (2023).
 


Teaming-up to take Hydrogen a Step Further 

The Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB), Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft (FHI), and Max-Planck-Institut für Chemische Energiekonversion (CEC) bundled their competencies in catalysis research, thin film, nanotechnology, and operando analysis, to give life to CatLab. In synergy with the Humboldt University of Berlin, the partners of UniSysCat and the industry, CatLab aims to generate pioneering knowledge and provide vital technological solutions for the establishment of a green hydrogen economy.



Enormous Potential for the Promotion of Young Scientists

An international pool of 100 experts works together in the framework of CatLab to develop cutting-edge catalytic systems using thin films and nanotechnology. This collaborative effort includes approximately 80 young scientists who work in interdisciplinary groups under the guidance of experienced senior scientists. In addition to providing training opportunities, CatLab fosters a spirit of collaboration among young scientists, enabling them to share ideas and establish partnerships within the project's scope.


Fostering Lasting Inter-Institutional Cooperation

The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has generously funded CatLab as a 5-year project (December 2020 - November 2025). Our goal is to extend this collaboration beyond the funding period and establish a long-term partnership that drives groundbreaking research and innovation in the field of catalysis.

 


Highlights 


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