CataLight at “99 Projekte für eine postfossile Zukunft”
Light-driven catalysis for a post-fossil future: CataLight and our PIs contribute to the "99 Projekte" initiative of the nine Baden-Württemberg state universities.
CataLight is investigating how, following the example of photosynthesis, energy from sunlight can be converted and stored in chemical form
Image: Heiko Grandel / Ulm University
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Through our research on light-driven photocatalysis, we contribute an internationally visible share to research for a post-fossil future. The DFG has recently approved the third and final funding period, enabling us to further pursue our vision of developing coupled photocatalytic systems in which light-driven multi-electron oxidations and reductions lead to productive chemical reactivity.
CataLight: Green hydrogen inspired by nature
CataLight now contributes to the “99 Projekte für eine postfossile Zukunft” initiative, represented by PI and CataLight spokesperson Sven Rau. This initiative by the nine state universities of Baden-Württemberg presents a curated selection of 99 research projects that address a post-fossil future – from new materials and sustainable energy technologies to the transformation of industrial processes. Within this framework, the initiative presents our research on photocatalytic materials that absorb solar energy and use it to split water into hydrogen and oxygen inspired by the natural model of photosynthesis.
Further projects of our PIs
The topics we work on in CataLight are at the centre of research for a post-fossil future, as evidenced by several of our PIs being represented with further projects:
Dirk Ziegenbalg (C06) coordinates PROSPER, a European doctoral network (MSCA Industrial Doctorate) that aims to scale photocatalytic processes for industrial application. Industrial photochemistry replaces energy-intensive fossil processes with light-driven synthesis.
Sven Rau (A01, A03, A04) also performs research in SolarDAC, a project funded by the Vector Foundation together with Dirk Ziegenbalg that develops a light-driven process for direct CO2 capture from the air (Direct Air Capture) using photocatalysis.
Birgit Esser (A06) is represented with two further projects: In the Cluster of Excellence POLiS (Post Lithium Storage), she conducts research on batteries beyond lithium, and with her ERC Consolidator Grant NanOBatt, she develops redox-active nanohoops and macrocycles as organic electrode materials for next-generation batteries.