Univ.-Prof. Dr. Julia Kunze-Liebhäuser
Materials- and Electrochemistry
We study interfacial processes to elucidate the reaction pathways and mechanisms that occur at the solid/liquid interface during electrochemical energy conversion and storage processes. The group's research approach is based on the development and application of in-situ and ex-situ analytical techniques, which are applied to systems of increasing complexity. These range from single-crystalline model electrodes studied under idealized conditions to more complex but well-defined nanostructured materials that could be applied in real fuel and electrolysis cells or battery environments.
We conduct fundamental research in the field of electrocatalysis, which aims to deepen our understanding of catalytic mechanisms at the atomic and molecular level. This includes the investigation of interactions between catalyst materials and reactants, the optimization of material properties to increase efficiency and stability, and the development of new catalyst concepts. In particular, the focus is on processes such as water electrolysis and CO2 reduction in order to improve their efficiency and selectivity and to promote sustainable energy conversion and storage technologies.
State-of-the-art in-situ analytical techniques enable us to investigate the structural and chemical properties of solid/liquid interfaces under realistic conditions, i.e., at room temperature and often under the influence of an applied potential and charge transfer. Our methods include electrochemical scanning probe microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In addition, the corresponding product analysis methods, such as differential electrochemical mass spectrometry, gas chromatography and electrochemical infrared spectroscopy, provide direct information about reaction products and intermediates. In this way, reaction mechanisms can be elucidated holistically.
A Direct View of the Solid-Liquid Interface: In-situ Analysis of Electrochemical Processes with electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy (EC-STM, left) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS, right).