Welcome to the Electrochemistry Laboratory (LEC)
The Electrochemistry Laboratory (LEC), established 1988, is part of the Energy and Environment Research Division (ENE) at the Paul Scherrer Institute. The laboratory comprises 5 interacting research groups that deal with almost all aspects of electrochemical energy storage and conversion. PSI’s Electrochemistry Laboratory is Switzerland’s largest Center for Electrochemical Research.
Lab News & Scientific Highlights
Unveiling the relationship between surface oxidation/spin state and the oxygen evolution reaction activity of cobalt-based catalysts in acidic environment
Co-based catalysts are promising candidates for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysis in acidic environment. However, both the reaction mechanism and the active species under acidic conditions remain unclear. In this study, by combining surface-sensitive soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy with electrochemical analysis, we discover that the acidic OER activity of Co-based catalysts is determined by their surface oxidation/spin state; this correlation signifies a breakthrough in defining the structure-activity relationship of Co-based catalysts for acidic OER.
An overview about all-solid-state batteries research activities and characterization capabilities at PSI
All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) are forecasted to play a central role in the next generation of high energy density and safe storage devices. However, ASSBs still an immature technology and require further advancements on multiple fronts like interface (electro-)chemical and mechanical instabilities. Here, we provide an overview about PSI efforts in (i) employing advanced operando laboratory and synchrotron-based analytical methods to shed light into the various degradation mechanisms and (ii) our capabilities for interface chemical engineering.
Polybenzimidazole Membrane Design Principles for Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries
Energy storage technologies with long storage duration are essential to stabilize electricity grids with a high share of intermittent renewable power. In a redox flow battery, the electrochemical conversion unit, where the charging and discharging reaction takes place, is spatially separated from the energy storage medium. In the all-vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB), a sulfuric acid aqueous electrolyte with dissolved vanadium ions is used as the storage medium. Vanadium is present in 4 different oxidation states, the redox couple vanadium(II) and (III) on the negative side of the cell, and vanadium(IV) and (V) on the positive side. This allows the battery to be repeatedly charged and discharged. A separator or membrane is used between the negative and positive electrode, which should selectively conduct the ions of the supporting electrolyte and minimize the passage of vanadium ions. Fluorinated membranes, such as Nafion™, are often used for this key component, but these ionomers were not originally developed for this application and therefore have functional shortcomings. Furthermore, the production and use of fluorinated materials is to be severely restricted or even banned in Europe. Therefore, the development of hydrocarbon-based membranes for the VRFB is of great importance. The study reported here focuses on polybenzimidazole polymers and membranes, which could be a promising materials class for next generation flow batteries.
Upcoming Events
LEC on TV and Radio
Paul Scherrer Institut entwickelt Akku der Zukunft
Swiss Radio: SRF Regionaljournal Aargau Solothurn, May 8, 2017, 17:30h
Knopfbatterien im Test: Enorme Preisunterschiede
Swiss TV: Kassensturz, January 17, 2017, 21:10h
Die Renaissance der Batterie
Swiss TV: Einstein, November 26, 2015, 21:07h
Mobilität ohne Treibhausgase
Swiss TV: Einstein, November 21, 2013, 21:07h
Wasserstofftankstellen für die Schweiz?
Swiss TV: Einstein, November 21, 2013, 21:07h