Meet the Experts / TUM
Functional materials for energy conversion and storage
Understanding the functioning of the interfaces between solids and liquids, electrically charged is crucial for energy conversion and storage, as these interfaces play a key role in how devices like batteries, fuel cells, electrolysers, and some condensers work. Many different factors affect the performance of materials and devices, so a deeper knowledge of these systems is key to designing better materials and developing ways to accurately predict their behaviour.
In this second edition of the Meet the experts series, we talk with Aliaksandr Bandarenka, Professor and leader of the Physics of Energy Conversion and Storage group at the Technical University of Munich, and his co-lead and researcher Elena Gubanova.
“Our group conducts research in the area of the physics of energy conversion and storage, and we are focused on designing and implementing functional materials and studying and characterizing electrified interfaces”, says Prof. Bandarenka. The team uses a bottom-up approach to design the materials, starting with model surfaces and using the inputs, then applying top-down methods, such as electrochemical erosion and spark ablation, to synthesize electrocatalysts for different applications.
In ICONIC, the team is working on developing a suitable and selective catalyst able to efficiently convert seawater-derived nitrates and carbonates into urea. “We investigate how the electrocatalytic performance is influenced by the electrolyte and electrode composition”, explains Prof. Bandarenka. “We study the electrode structure and investigate the active site location under reaction conditions, aiming to understand the key factors that make a catalyst effective, selective and stable”, he adds.
When asked about what’s their motivation in ICONIC, they say it’s their strong commitment to advancing sustainable technologies. “By applying our expertise in electrochemical processes, we aim to create efficient, clean solutions for resource conversion”, they say. They also highlight the opportunity to contribute to a project that combines innovation with real-world impact, aligned with the group’s goal of pushing the boundaries of electrochemistry to address global challenges like climate change and resource scarcity. Prof. Bandarenka expands, “Collaborating with a diverse team of experts has allowed us to combine complementary skills and knowledge, leading to a more comprehensive approach to catalyst design and testing and fostering innovative ideas and solutions that wouldn’t be possible working alone, it is both professionally rewarding and inspiring”.
“A moment that made us really excited was when our spark ablation particle generator became fully operational, and we produced our first copper nanoparticles”, remembers Elena Gubanova. “It was a big step forward seeing the system work, and getting promising results showed the great potential of this technology for creating well-defined and upscalable catalyst materials”, she adds. “It felt like a real turning point in our contribution to the project!”
Behind the scenes
What does a regular day in their lab looks like? “It’s a lively and collaborative environment, we are a multinational team”, says Gubanova. “PhD students take the lead on research projects and guide teams of bachelor’s and master’s students, creating a strong sense of teamwork and mentorship”. As in many aspects in life, communication is key. “Whether it’s planning experiments, solving technical challenges, or analyzing results, we thrive on open discussions and supporting each other, it’s this collaborative spirit that keeps the lab productive and motivating”.
When they are not doing research, the team likes to recharge by spending time outdoors, one of the perks of being based in Munich. And with the Alps so close, group hiking trips in the mountains are a great way for the team to relax and reconnect with nature. “We also enjoy the local green spaces like the English Garden or the many lakes around the city”, says Bandarenka. Beyond that, they regularly organize group activities like BBQs, sports events, and other get-togethers. Gubanova concludes, “These moments outside the lab help us stay connected, inspired, and energized for our work”.