Hydrogen is a central component of the energy transition, as it can be produced from renewable energy such as wind or sun and stores this energy in chemical form. The "green hydrogen" can then be used in industrial processes, such as the production of fertilizers or steel, where it significantly reduces CO2 emissions. The storage of electrical energy is also of great interest, both for portable and stationary applications. The battery systems required for this can be charged either conventionally or by sunlight. Such solar batteries are a combination of solar cell and rechargeable battery. The CEEC Jena (Center for Energy and Environmental Chemistry Jena) and HIPOLE (Helmholtz Institute for Polymers in Energy Applications) are conducting research in these three areas. One important aspect is novel battery concepts, such as redox flow batteries, which function entirely without environmentally problematic metal salts and are based on organic active materials. The production of hydrogen from electricity or directly from sunlight will be investigated, as will the possibilities for its transportation and storage.
Experiments and exhibits will be shown at the stands, providing insights into this application-oriented research. These include the structure and function of organic solar cells and innovative active materials for button cells and flow batteries. We will show how the electrolysis of water works to produce hydrogen from electricity and how hydrogen can be stored in the form of formic acid. We will also present new dyes and catalysts, which should enable the production of hydrogen directly from sunlight and water in the future. The current research topics will be presented and explained to the public on posters.
