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
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
Comparative study of Co3O4 (111), CoFe2O4 (111), and Fe3O4 (111) thin film electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction
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
First Step of the Oxygen Reduction Reaction on Au(111): A Computational Study of O2 Adsorption at the Electrified Metal/Water Interface
Nanostructured Intermetallic Nickel Silicide (Pre)Catalyst for Anodic Oxygen Evolution Reaction and Selective Dehydrogenation of Primary Amines
Unraveling surface structures of gallium promoted transition metal catalysts in CO2 hydrogenation
In situ investigation of ion exchange membranes reveals that ion transfer in hybrid liquid/gas electrolyzers is mediated by diffusion, not electromigration
Nanoscale Electron Transfer Variations at Electrocatalyst–Electrolyte Interfaces Resolved by in Situ Conductive Atomic Force Microscopy
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
Mid-term evaluation of CatLab
CatLab presents itself at “Meet the Neighbors” Event in the CMSB Building
