Join us as we hear from Dr. Steinrück on Thu, 16th Oct from 1230 to 1400 in Spruce Treehouse (free pizza and soda!)

Hans is Director at the Institute for a Sustainable Hydrogen Economy (INW-1) of Forschungszentrum Jülich and Full Professor in Physical Chemistry at Department of Chemistry of RWTH Aachen since 2023. His research group focuses on application-oriented basic research in the fields of hydrogen storage, electrochemical energy storage and desalination, as well as on the development of methods for synchrotron X-ray research and electrochemistry. Hans’ scientific contributions include advancing the molecular level understanding of the formation and structure of self-assembled monolayers, electrochemical interfaces, ion transport in electrolytes, and battery processes.

Hans will introduce the Helmholtz Cluster Hydrogen Economy. Subsequently, Hans will also discuss why quantitative atomic scale and molecular level insight into structural (physical and electronic) and morphological properties on an absolute scale and under reactions conditions is imperative towards understanding mechanisms and processes across scales in electrochemical systems. Interpreted in the context of device performance, this knowledge can be used for rational design of and new concepts for improved materials. Several examples using model systems will be discussed in detail for example interfacial electrochemistry, ion transport, electrochemical desalination, and lithium extraction.