Electrolysis - Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Electrolysis
In electrolysis, a direct electric current is used to drive an otherwise non-spontaneous chemical reaction. Electrolysis is commercially highly important as a stage in the production of metals. Here the electrolysis is used in the process of separating elements from naturally occurring sources such as ores, using an electrolytic cell.
Research areas
- Aluminium electrolysis
- New electrode materials
Many industrial processes in aqueous electrolytes require efficient anode materials. We develop new materials to replace lead anodes which are frequently used in industrial processes such as electrowinning of zinc and copper and electrogalvanizing of steel. Testing of new catalytic substrate materials can help developing new anodes with increased lifetime and reduced energy consumption.
- Electrode reactions in molten salts
Develop new concepts for processes in molten salt electrolytes. Electrodeposition of carbon from molten salts by using C02 as the raw material. Of particular interest is the possibility to produce carbon nanostructures directly by electrolysis.
The project group has extensive collaboration with research partners in Japan, China and Qatar.
Examples of activities
SUPREME - electrolysis for production of metalsKIFEE (Kyoto International Forum for Environment and Energy)