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At a glance
In the “chemical energy carriers” topic, the focus of Jülich research is on the production, storage, and use of hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives. To this end, the scientists are developing sustainable power-to-X processes to produce basic chemicals and synthetic fuels using green hydrogen.
Challenges
Germany and the European Union have the ambitious goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. However, transportation, the supply of electricity and heat, and industry are all heavily reliant on fossil fuels. Hydrogen technologies and renewable chemical energy sources enable the coupling and comprehensive optimization of sectors that are often considered separately.
In order for Germany to achieve its energy transition goals, technologies must be developed that enable the large-scale production, storage, and use of hydrogen and chemical energy carriers. This is the only way to help shape the transition to a sustainable and emission-free future. However, major challenges are not only posed by large-scale production, but also logistics with suitable locations for production and optimized distribution on a global scale.
Solutions
Jülich researchers are working on several levels to establish hydrogen as an integral part of the energy transition. Their expertise ranges from basic research to application – from materials and electrochemistry to key technologies and an understanding of systems.
The first focus of Jülich’s research is the production of hydrogen using electrolyzers, which produce hydrogen and oxygen from water and electricity. Jülich scientists are researching all promising types of electrolyzers. Of particular interest are the co-electrolysis plants developed at Jülich, which not only use electricity to split water, but also convert CO2 at the same time. They produce a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, which can then be used as a synthesis gas to produce various chemicals, synthetic diesel, or kerosene. Tailor-made solutions for the future are tested in the Living Lab Energy Campus. The scientists are working on longer operating times with fewer signs of degradation, a reduction in costs, commercial viability, and the use of fewer critical raw materials such as platinum, iridium, or PFAS, as well as direct recycling strategies for electrolyzer components.
The second focus of Jülich researchers is on the safe storage and easy transport of hydrogen. To this end, they have developed the LOHC process. In this process, hydrogen is bound to a diesel-like and highly flame-resistant organic carrier fluid – the liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) – in a chemical reactor. A unique LOHC plant is currently being tested in daily operation on the premises of Forschungszentrum Jülich. In 2024, another demonstration project was launched: the combination of a novel solid oxide fuel cell with a plant that can release hydrogen from its LOHC carrier fluid. In the future, this demonstration plant will provide around 20 % of the heat and power supply for a large hospital in the town of Erkelenz.
In order to convert hydrogen back into electricity as efficiently as possible, Jülich experts have been developing and improving various types of fuel cells for over 30 years. In these cells, hydrogen and oxygen react to form water and produce electricity. The Jülich portfolio includes low-temperature PEM fuel cells and high-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) for stationary and mobile applications. The researchers optimize the materials and chemical processes, which they test using their own prototypes. The aim is to achieve a high level of efficiency and a long operational life, as well as a reduction in costs.
The fourth focus is on sustainable processes for producing basic chemicals and liquid synthetic fuels using green hydrogen. The chemical industry in particular can benefit from the new processes. Hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon are the basic components of plastics, varnishes, adhesives, medicines, and fuels. So far, both the raw materials and the energy required have mostly been supplied from oil and natural gas. Technologies are being researched for the implementation of sustainable raw materials. This includes approaches to electrify synthesis processes such as power-to-X technologies or plasma reactors as well as thermo-chemical reactors that use heat energy efficiently. Tailor-made catalysts and process intensification via membrane reactors are key elements here.
Contact
Jülich Contact Person
Prof. Dr. Olivier Guillon
Direktor
- Institute of Energy Materials and Devices (IMD)
- Materials Synthesis and Processing (IMD-2)
Building 01.3 /
Room 232
Room 232
+49 2461/61-5181
E-Mail
Principal Investigators
Research Groups
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Quelle Headerbild: Forschungszentrum Jülich / Ralf Uwe Limbach
Last Modified: 22.01.2025