Catalytic Interfaces for Chemical Hydrogen Storage (INW-1)

The Catalytic Interfaces for Chemical Hydrogen Storage subinstitute (INW-1) focuses on the elementary processes on the catalyst surface during the hydrogenation and dehydrogenation of hydrogen storage molecules. In addition to achieving the highest possible productivity and efficiency, the aim is to maximize selectivity in the storage cycle in order to avoid hydrogen losses and degradation of the storage molecules and to further reduce the costs of hydrogen storage. The use organic storage molecules, which are intended for multiple storage and release cycles, necessitates an understanding of reaction and degradation mechanisms on the molecular level at the catalytically active interfaces to further extend the life cycle of the storage molecules using optimized catalyst materials. Another important aspect is avoiding or drastically reducing noble metal components, for example by developing novel types of alloy catalysts. Another important factor driving scientific work on the nanoscale is research on new storage molecules – e.g. with reduced dehydrogenation enthalpy or of biogenic origin – for which the elementary processes on the catalyst surface, suitable material combinations, and relevant degradation mechanisms have yet to be determined and fundamentally understood.