Adelhelm Group
Physical Chemistry of Materials, Electrochemistry, Batteries
We study materials for energy storage with the major focus on rechargeable batteries.
The current focus is on electrode materials for lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries as well as on alternative cell concepts (metal-sulfur, solid-state batteries).
Our research is interdisciplinary and combines aspects of (electro-)chemistry, materials design and applied physical chemistry.
MOTIVATION & PURPOSE
Climate change is a key challenge for our society which requires more and more green electricity from wind turbines and solar panels. The storage of green electricity and its efficient use are important tasks for the coming decades. Think of rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles, household and grid storage or electrosynthesis, for example. One of the key science disciplines forming the foundations for these technologies is electrochemistry. How can we make better batteries? What happens inside a battery during charging/discharging? Why do batteries age? Can we make batteries based on abundant elements that are not limited by any resource issues or supply risks?
STRONGHOLDS
Preparation and modification of electrode materials by solid-state synthesis (Sulfide, oxides, metals and alloys, carbon materials). Various electrochemical methods. development of call concepts and in situ / operando methods. Interdisciplinary team of (environmental) chemists, material scientists, electrochemists and physicists.
SCIENTIFIC AIMS
Studying physicochemical principles of electrochemically driven reactions. Understanding ageing processes of electrode reactions and their mitigation. Understanding ion-size effects on electrode reactions. Exploring "new battery concepts". Establishing advanced characterization tools to study batteries in situ / operando.
