Research and Running Projects
From nanoparticles to industrial-scale electrodes: Technology and process-driven energy materials for electrochemical energy conversion
Dr. Fatih Özcan’s research bridges nanoparticle science and process engineering to enable scalable electrochemical energy technologies, with a focus on batteries, fuel cells, electrolysers, and electro‑organic syntheses. His team develops particle‑based inks and slurries, hierarchically structured supraparticles, and non‑destructive quality‑control strategies to control how functional thin films form and operate in technologically relevant environments. A central aspect of this work is the translation of nanoscale design into manufacturable architectures: silicon/carbon supraparticles are engineered to balance energy density, mechanical stability, and processability in lithium‑ion battery anodes; catalyst inks and carbon blacks are tailored so that polymer‑electrolyte fuel cell and electrolysis catalyst layers combine robust dispersion, well‑defined pore networks, and efficient use of precious metals; and ionomer‑free electrodes and emulsion‑based electrolytes are devised to make electrochemical CO₂ reduction and organic electrohydrogenations more sustainable and controllable. Across these systems, Dr. Özcan emphasizes quantitative structure–process–property relationships and standardized methodologies, ranging from Hansen‑parameter‑based dispersion strategies to multiscale pore analysis and thermal‑imaging‑based monitoring of coating formation. This integrated perspective positions his work at the core of EMPI‑PST’s efforts to turn particle technologies into reliable, industry‑ready solutions for energy conversion and storage.
Previous & current projects:
- TraGraKat – 12/2020 – 11/2023
- NoRu – 10/2020 – 03/2023
- HOSALIB – 09/2020 – 08/2023
- R2R-CCM – 01/2022 – 12/2024
- KataSign Mercur – 01/2022 – 12/2023
- InnoMem – 03/2024 – 08/2024
- KIMODPEM – 11/2023 – 10/2026
- AutoMaX – 11/2025 – 10/2027
- PEMELYonROLL – 10/2025 – 09/2028
- HYDRA-FREE – 10/2025 – 09/2028
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
Electrocatalysis, Nanoparticle Functionlization and 2D-Materials Processing
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
Water Electrolysis, Electrode Layer Processing and Characterization
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
Tailored Hierarchical Semiconductors, Continuous Synthesis and Structure Formation for Coloured Particles
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
Hydrogen network for regional cooperation and collaboration - Mat4Hy.NRW Project
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