Joachim Walther Schultze Prize 2024 for Prof. Marc Ledendecker

24 September 2024

Prof. Marc Ledendecker has been awarded the Joachim Walther Schultze Prize 2024 for his pioneering work in the development of stable nanoparticles for electrochemical reactions. The German Association of Electrochemical Research Institutes (AGEF e.V.) awards the prize, endowed with 2.000 Euro, every two years to early career independent researchers for their important contribution to electrochemistry-related research topics. He was honored during the conference “Electrochemistry 2024”, organized by the Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker (GDCh).

Prof. Ledendecker’s research focuses on creating nanoparticles that remain stable and highly efficient under extreme electrochemical conditions, opening new pathways for their use in applications such as fuel cells, water electrolyzers or to produce small molecules such as H₂O₂.

The development of these stable nanoparticles is critical in overcoming one of the key challenges in electrocatalysis: maintaining the performance and durability of catalysts at the nanoscale. By harnessing the unique properties of nanoparticles, Ledendecker's work promises to enhance the efficiency of sustainable energy systems, which is essential for the future of clean energy technologies.

“This recognition is a powerful affirmation of my team's dedication to exploring the frontier of electrochemical applications for nanotechnology,” Ledendecker remarked. “We hope that our discoveries will contribute to the widespread adoption of sustainable energy solutions.”

Prof. Ledendecker has headed the Helmholtz Young Investigator Group "Design of New Catalysts" at the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energy (HI ERN) since 2023. The research group works closely with the Technical University of Munich (TUM) as a university partner.

Contact

Prof. Marc Ledendecker

Head of Research Department "Novel Catalyst Design (YIG)"

Building Erlangen /
Room 5003

+49 9131-12538205

E-Mail

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Catalyst concepts for the global energy transition: Helmholtz Association funds newly established Young Investigators Group

A total of ten excellent young scientists have been selected by the Helmholtz Association to establish their own research groups on their topics. Over a period of five years, the Young Investigator Groups will receive a total of at least 1.5 million euros in funding for this purpose. At the HI ERN Prof. Marc Ledendecker will establish the Helmholtz Young Investigators Group "Design of New Catalysts".

Research Group

Novel Catalyst Design (YIG)

The Young Investigator Group addresses the question of how new material concepts enrich already established and emerging technologies to reduce the ecological footprint. It develops new catalyst concepts for the global energy transition. The focus is on electrochemical reactions, which are becoming increasingly important and take place, for example, during water electrolysis, electrochemical CO2 reduction or in hydrogen fuel cells.