Energy Materials

New collaborative paper published in Macromolecular Rapid Communications on hierarchically porous coatings for cellulose fibers

vpresser — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 07:00:08 +0000

New collaborative paper published in Macromolecular Rapid Communications. In this study, we demonstrate a particle-templating strategy to create hierarchically porous, chemically functional coatings on cellulose fibers. Silica-polymer core-shell particles are deposited on cellulose paper and subsequently etched to generate porous polymer coatings with tunable surface chemistry, including hydroxy and epoxy groups. This approach opens new opportunities for smart cellulose-based filtration systems, paper-based sensors, and functional adsorbers.

Cansu Kök and Peter Burger present work at the ELKIN conference

vpresser — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 20:44:13 +0000

Two contributions to the 16^th International Symposium on Electrokinetics (ELKIN) in The Hague, NL from our team.

Peter Burger: Electrochemical Lithium-ion recovery from battery recycling process water (poster)
Cansu Kök: Interalkyl-MXene electrodes for selective and stable lithium-ion extraction from aqueous solutions (oral)

Welcome visiting Ph.D. student Amina Boutahar

vpresser — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 07:00:42 +0000

Welcome Amina Boutahar! As a visiting Ph.D. student from Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (Marocco), she will be working on electrochemical desalination.

Welcome new student intern Maximilian Müller

vpresser — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 07:00:36 +0000

Welcome Maximilian Müller! He will be working on MXene materials for energy storage.

New paper published in Water Research on terminology and metrics for electrosorption of trace organic compounds

vpresser — Sat, 30 May 2026 09:13:23 +0000

New paper published in Water Research in collaboration with Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (Navid Saeidi & Anett Georgi). Electrosorption is an emerging approach for removing and concentrating trace organic contaminants from water, including PFAS and pharmaceuticals, by combining conductive adsorbents with electrical control. This Making Waves article argues that such systems should not simply borrow terminology and performance metrics from capacitive deionization, because trace-organic removal is often governed by adsorption affinity, selectivity, pore accessibility, and controlled release rather than charge-storage capacity. We propose a clearer terminology and reporting framework centered on metrics such as adsorption coefficients, breakthrough behavior, recovery, and enrichment to support better comparison between studies and accelerate the rational design of electrosorption technologies for water treatment.

New paper published on nitrate reduction in Advanced Functional Materials

vpresser — Mon, 18 May 2026 08:00:41 +0000

In a new collaborative paper in Advanced Functional Materials, we report an exfoliation-induced electrochemical reconstruction strategy that transforms CuCoAl layered double hydroxides into an amorphous/crystalline heterostructure for efficient nitrate reduction to ammonia. The reconstructed catalyst combines metallic Cu, crystalline Co(OH)₂, and amorphous CoOOH, enabling high ammonia selectivity, excellent Faradaic efficiency, and strong cycling stability. Beyond catalyst design, the study also demonstrates a Zn-NO₂^– battery concept that links nitrate removal, ammonia production, and energy storage in one system.

Volker Presser elected Fellow of the International Society of Electrochemistry

vpresser — Mon, 11 May 2026 10:26:06 +0000

Prof. Dr. Volker Presser has been elected Fellow of the International Society of Electrochemistry (ISE). This distinction recognizes his scientific contributions to electrochemical materials and technologies. The ISE Fellowship is awarded to a small group of active researchers for continuing scientific and technical achievements in electrochemistry. Within ISE, Fellows represent only a small fraction of the active membership, and typically only a few new Fellows are elected each year.

Delvina Tarimo listed as outstanding 2025 reviewer for RSC Energy Advances

vpresser — Fri, 08 May 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Congratulation to Delvina Tarimo for being recognized as an outstanding reviewer for the RSC Journal Energy Advances in 2025!

Welcome new student intern Louisa Schöndorf

vpresser — Fri, 01 May 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Welcome new student intern Louisa Schöndorf, who will be working on next generation battery materials and technologies

New paper published in Energy Advances on lithium-ion extraction with lithium manganese oxide

vpresser — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 07:00:21 +0000

New collaborative work with University of Granada (Silvia Ahualli) published in RSC Energy Advances. This study explores an electrochemical route for selective lithium recovery from saline water using lithium manganese oxide, whose spinel structure can reversibly intercalate lithium ions under controlled cell voltages. By combining lithium manganese oxide with polyelectrolyte coatings, the work links ion selectivity, release dynamics, and electrode durability in both LiCl and mixed LiCl/NaCl solutions. Lithium uptake increased strongly with applied voltage, reaching values above 40 mg/g at 1.2 V, while the soft-electrode design maintained lithium selectivity even under challenging sodium-rich conditions.