The Laboratory of Electrochemistry (LEC) aims to advance the scientific and technological understanding of electrochemical energy conversion, with a focus on sustainable energy.
The LEC directs its efforts to the hydrogen- and CO2 - electrochemistry domains. In the field of hydrogen electrochemistry, we develop materials and components for advanced, low-temperature technologies using either acidic (PEWE) or alkaline (AMWE) membranes. Our work on hydrogen fuel cells focuses on low-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEFC) for converting hydrogen into electricity.
We also work on electrochemical CO2 reduction and the electrochemistry of Nitrogen-containing compounds. Our research is supported by advanced characterization methods, developed in collaboration with major research facilities at PSI, including the Swiss Light Source (SLS) for X-ray-based spectroscopy, scattering, and imaging, and the Swiss Spallation Neutron Source (SINQ), especially for imaging techniques.
We aim to be a global leader in advancing electrochemical energy conversion, driving innovation for a sustainable, clean energy future through excellence in research, collaboration, and education.
This vision is built on a foundation of pioneering research in electrochemical material science, development and application of advanced diagnostic methods. By focusing on innovative topics that span from molecular-level understanding to technical relevant environments, LEC sets a high standard for leadership in electrochemical energy conversion. Our commitment to cutting-edge research methodologies, combined with our collaborative approach across internal and external partnerships, positions us at the forefront of clean energy technology research and development. Through a shared dedication to sustainability and educational excellence, we aim to inspire and lead the next wave of breakthroughs and specialists in the field.
We advance electrochemical science and technology by driving innovation in sustainable energy conversion systems and developing advanced materials. By bridging the gap between fundamental research and practical, real-world applications, we ensure that our discoveries lead to tangible impacts. We foster strong, collaborative partnerships across disciplines and industries, leveraging collective expertise to accelerate progress. Additionally, we are committed to empowering the next generation of leaders through comprehensive education and training programs. Ultimately, our efforts are directed towards creating effective, scalable solutions that address the pressing global challenges of energy sustainability.
In pursuing this mission, our work covers a comprehensive spectrum of activities, from the design and development of highly efficient catalysts to the optimization of electrochemical interfaces and the enhancement of energy conversion systems. We integrate advanced diagnostic techniques to evaluate and improve the performance of porous media, ensuring that our innovations can be effectively translated into real-world solutions. Our focus extends to the development of advanced membrane materials, which are essential for achieving superior performance and durability in fuel cells and electrolyzers. By combining expertise across various aspects of electrochemical science and actively engaging with industrial partners, we accelerate the deployment of technologies that contribute to a sustainable energy future. Education and training remain at the core of our mission, as we equip future leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to advance the field and drive the transition towards clean energy.
Our approach is centered on research excellence, utilizing state-of-the-art facilities and groundbreaking methods to drive fundamental discoveries and advancements in electrochemical energy technologies. We emphasize collaborative synergy, fostering strong partnerships across academia, industry, and laboratory groups to facilitate knowledge transfer and accelerate innovation. Our focus is on developing next-generation materials and solutions that meet critical challenges in sustainable energy conversion, ensuring enhanced durability and performance. We are equally committed to education and impact, equipping future leaders through comprehensive training programs, active community engagement, and a strong presence in the scientific community. Together, these pillars reflect our unwavering commitment to sustainability, innovation, and leadership in electrochemistry.
Our strategy leverages advanced material synthesis, precise characterization techniques, and a comprehensive understanding of electrochemical processes to push the boundaries of current technologies. By employing innovative diagnostic tools and robust data processing methods, we address the critical performance and durability challenges faced by energy conversion systems. We prioritize the development of breakthrough materials, including high-performance and stable catalysts, next-generation membranes and porous media with tailored transport properties, which are essential for improving the efficiency and stability of electrochemical devices. The integration of these innovations into scalable systems exemplifies our focus on practical applications and technology readiness.
Collaborative synergy plays a pivotal role in our strategy, as we engage with a wide network of partners across academia and industry. This enables the rapid exchange of knowledge and accelerates the pace of discovery and drives commercialization. Our commitment to research excellence is demonstrated through the use of state-of-the-art facilities and pioneering techniques, which allow us to explore new frontiers in electrochemical science. Education and outreach are woven into our strategic framework, ensuring that the expertise and advancements generated within our research programs are shared broadly and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. This comprehensive approach underpins our commitment to enabling innovation, fostering sustainability, and maintaining leadership in the field of electrochemistry.
By integrating these key components into a unified vision, mission, and strategy, LEC sets a clear path for advancing electrochemical energy technologies and addressing global challenges in sustainable energy.