Vision
Science at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion creates a comprehensive understanding of catalysis and develops novel concepts for interconverting energy and chemical bonds in both technological and natural processes. Guided by Green Chemistry principles, our research generates fundamental knowledge and advances impactful methodologies to establish a sustainable energy-chemistry nexus that safeguards human and planetary welfare.
Mission
Our activities combine mechanistic investigations, rational design, controlled synthesis, and innovative applications. We adopt an integrated scientific approach across traditional disciplines – spanning biological, molecular, and material catalysis – to overcome conceptual and methodological boundaries. Our knowledge-based strategy progressively augments empirical developments with predictive capabilities in catalysis and electrolysis on a systems level.
Advancing the analytical portfolio in catalysis, we elucidate electronic and structural properties of catalytically active intermediates and their dynamic interconversion, providing the basis for adaptive catalytic systems. We study existing and develop new catalytic systems for the activation of small molecules such as CO2, CO, H2O, H2, O2, and N2. Electricity from renewable sources is used directly or via hydrogen as molecular pivot for improved or entirely novel transformations. Synthetic targets range from energy carriers and fuels over large volume bulk chemicals to highly value-added functional products.
Our workforce of approx. 400 people – including apprentices, technical and administrative staff, students and PhD students, postdocs, young academics and senior scientists – reflects our commitment to diversity and talent development, supporting careers within the institute and beyond.
National and international collaborations complement our research efforts at MPI CEC. This includes projects and networks focussing on fundamental research, on education and training, and translation to industrial application.
