Department of Interface Science Integration

The activities in this field aim at studying and exploiting processes at solid-solid, solid-liquid, and solid-gas interfaces, many of which are of relevance in catalysis as well as in material degradation, and to assemble co-designed material components into devices that are useful e.g. in (photo)catalytic hydrogen production and CO₂ reduction. In all steps, experimental approaches are complemented by modelling studies to gain a molecular understanding and develop models with predictive power for accelerated material development.

The System Integration Team leads innovation in sustainable energy by integrating catalysts, photoelectrodes, and functional systems to bridge fundamental science with a scale-bridging approach for practical applications. With a major focus on (photo)electrochemistry, the team researchers advance systems to convert CO₂ and various wastes into value-added chemicals and fuels, aligning with circular economy principles to deliver scalable solutions for a sustainable future. Key efforts include tailoring catalytic mechanisms and microenvironments at micro- and nano-scales to enhance reaction selectivity, developing unified systems that combine (organic) solar cells, hybrid photoelectrochemical technologies. We leverage multiphysics modeling to understand and refine system dynamics, and we collaborate with the In Situ and Operando Characterization Department to provide advanced characterization for performance optimization. Through prototyping and testbeds, the team advances efficient solar fuel generation. By pioneering technologies powered entirely by sunlight, the System Integration Team is shaping the future of clean energy innovation.

The team employs advanced fabrication techniques including aerosol printing and spray coating to produce large-area photoelectrodes, efficient catalysts, and high-performance devices. These systems enable the conversion of waste and renewable resources into valuable products. By combining scalable system development, durability optimization for long-term operation, and an integrated, data-driven approach, the team is focused on the fabrication of robust solutions that perform efficiently over multi-year lifespans. Our approach spans fundamental and applied research to explore the valley of death and provide a viable path to the technological application of (photo)electrochemical systems for the chemical industry of the future.