The MPI CEC is part of the new WSS Resources research center, which was founded by Freie Universität Berlin in collaboration with the Werner Siemens Foundation (WSS). The center's goal is to develop new chemical systems that make sustainable resources more efficient to use. The Werner Siemens Foundation is funding the project with a total of €18 million over a period of ten years.

The focus is on a novel ionic liquid, known as a chlorine storage. This technology enables the safe and energy-efficient use of chlorine, one of the most important basic chemicals in industry, thus opening up new avenues for resource-efficient and circular chemistry.

The MPI CEC contributes its expertise in electrochemistry. Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Siegfried R. Waldvogel, director at the MPI CEC and visiting professor at Freie Universität Berlin, the team is researching electrochemical processes to recover chlorine from existing compounds and make it usable again. This allows chlorine-containing waste such as PVC or old pesticide residues to be chemically processed – materials that were previously considered difficult to recycle are turned into new raw materials. These processes help to replace fossil resources and promote defossilized chemistry.

“With the electrochemical recycling of chlorine-containing materials, we are demonstrating that sustainable chemistry is not only possible but can also be economically attractive,” emphasizes Prof. Waldvogel. “Our collaboration in the ‘WSS Resources’ research center combines basic research with practical solutions for a more environmentally friendly future.”

The MPI CEC is pleased to contribute to the transformation of chemistry and the energy transition together with Freie Universität Berlin and the other project partners.

Further information can be found in the joint press release from the Werner Siemens Foundation and FU Berlin.