The Technology team focuses on scalable electrochemical energy technologies with a strong emphasis on fuel cells and batteries. Fuel cell research targets the optimisation of PEMFC catalyst layers, inks, and membrane electrode assemblies, alongside gas diffusion electrodes for water electrolysis. Battery work spans lithium-ion and sodium-ion systems, highlighting silicon-based anodes, supraparticle slurries, and coating quality control, as well as graphene- and gas-phase-synthesised materials for sodium-ion anodes.

Contact person: Dr. rer. nat. Fatih Özcan
fatih.oezcan [at] uni-due.de
Phone: +49 203 379 3100
Research area: Battery and fuel cell technology, process development for electro-organic-syntheses, in context of scalable and continuous processes

The research work in Dr. Hammad's team centres on aerosol and gas‑phase synthesis routes to engineer functional nanoparticles and assemble them into hierarchically structured materials. A key direction is the preparation of substrate‑free, gas‑phase‑synthesized graphene and its colloidal dispersion for conductive thin films. Another major strand concerns silicon/carbon supraparticles designed for lithium‑ion battery anodes, where the focus lies on process–structure relationships that govern electrochemical performance.
The research also addresses lanthanum‑based perovskite materials: spray‑flame‑synthesized La₀.₈Sr₀.₂CoO₃ supraparticles are evaluated as catalysts for alkaline water electrolysis, while the intrinsic activity of LaCoO₃ towards the oxygen evolution reaction is investigated to decouple material properties from electrode architecture. Together, these research fields reveal a materials‑driven approach that links synthesis conditions, colloidal assembly, and functional performance in energy storage and conversion applications.

Contact person: Dr. Mohaned Hammad ​​​​​​​​​​​
mohaned.hammad [at] uni-due.de
Research area: Electrocatalysis, nanoparticle functionalization, 2-D materials processing, Environmental remediation

The research team led by Dr. Vineetha Vinayakumar focuses on the design, processing, and characterization of nanostructured anode materials for the alkaline oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in water electrolysis. The team’s core objective is to establish coherent structure–property–performance relationships that bridge catalyst synthesis, electrode fabrication, and electrochemical function. A major thrust is the development of nickel–cobalt oxide (Ni-Co-O) anodes, where multistage electrode optimization and plasma-assisted activity enhancement are integrated into a unified workflow.

Contact person: Dr. Vineetha Vinayakumar ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
vineetha.vinayakumar [at] uni-due.de
Research area: Water electrolysis, pilot-scale anode materials

The Fundamentals team's research is centered on the colloidal science and engineering of functional nanoparticles, with a primary emphasis on understanding and controlling their stability, agglomeration, and post-synthetic processing. The work systematically investigates binary colloidal mixtures, such as gold and zinc sulfide nanoparticles, to unravel the fundamental mechanisms governing selective agglomeration and long-term dispersion stability. A significant focus is on the development of multistep agglomeration and purification strategies for indium phosphide/zinc sulfide core-shell quantum dots, aiming to separate high-quality nanocrystals from synthesis byproducts for optoelectronic applications.
The team also delves into the optimization of the quantum dot shelling process itself, using single-source precursors to enhance luminescence for lighting and displays. Complementary efforts involve correlative, multiscale transmission electron microscopy to statistically determine the atomic-scale characteristics of gold nanocrystals. Across these studies, a unifying theme is the linkage of colloidal dispersion formulation and processing parameters to the resulting nanostructure and functional properties, ultimately targeting the scalable manufacturing of high-quality nanoparticle systems.

Contact person: Dr.-Ing Azita ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Rezvani. 
azita.rezvani [at] uni-due.de
Research area: Nanoparticle synthesis, multicomponent colloidal dispersions

The German national hydrogen strategy emphasises the importance of hydrogen for the energy transition. The aim is to create a functioning domestic market and drive forward production through targeted research and development. In this context, membrane electrolysers are important for green hydrogen production due to their efficiency and flexibility. However, work still needs to be done on challenges such as the pressure range and the development of low-precious metal components. In this regard, the seamless integration of all building blocks in the value chain for electrolyser production and other hydrogen technologies is of crucial importance for the economic viability when applying electrolysis. At MAT4HY.NRW, we are focussing on cooperation formats in order to tap into material technology potential, particularly in the field of membrane electrolysis.

Contact person: Osama ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Anwar, M.Sc. 
osama.anwar [at] uni-due.de
Research area: Technology transfer in relation to hydrogen research