Elcat

The research group Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT), led by Prof. Dr Ing. Tom Breugelmans with Prof. Dr Ing. Jonas Hereijgers and Prof. Dr Dominik Halter, is part of the Faculty of Applied Engineering and primarily focuses on electrochemistry. The core research activities within ELCAT focus on the development of state-of-the-art electrochemical reactors,(flow) batteries and electrocatalysts, with a view towards large-scale industrial deployment in the field of industrial electrification, in a green and sustainable way, ultimately replacing traditional chemical processes. The scope there is to improve controllability, flexibility and energy efficiency of the reactions through electrocatalyst and reactor design. This research can thus be subdivided into three main topics, which are interrelated: electrocatalysis, electrosynthesis and electrochemical reactor engineering. From those research topics, two major aspects of the identity as a group clearly come to the surface: industrial application and green chemistry. Up to date, ELCAT focuses on the synthesis, characterisation, and application of nanostructured (electro)catalysts for sustainable electrochemical processes. Our research spans from fundamental catalyst design to system-level integration, addressing key challenges in activity, selectivity, and stability. By bridging material development with reactor-scale optimisation, we aim to enable industrially viable, electrochemically driven alternatives to conventional chemical processes, contributing to a more sustainable future.