Max Demnitz

Improving the performance of electrolysers and understanding the science behind it is the key aspect to quickly grow a flourishing hydrogen economy.

To this cause my research focuses on two aspects:

1) Enhancing the diaphragm and cell assembly used in alkaline water electrolysis to show lower resistances, less gas crossover, and participate in the catalytic reaction of H2 and O2 production.

To that extend we modify diaphragms with (catalytic) coatings and test the catalyst coated diaphragms (CCD) within the electrolyser. To that extend we further improve the diaphragm-electrode assembly in the cell to show optimal performance and long-term stability.

2) Understanding and evaluating the role of dopants in the electrolyte on electrolyser performance. Here, especially Fe is of interest, since it enhances electrolyser performance significantly. Further, a focus is set on vanadium doped electrolyte, which has been shown to stabilize longer term performance of the electrodes.

Using our toolset as scientists to solve humanities most challenging problems is something I strive for.