Lena Bühre

My PhD involves me investigating polymer electrolyte membrane water electrolysers (PEMWE). I am specifically interested in catalyst coated membranes (CCM) and special anode catalysts. These are seen as key components regarding the investment and operating costs of a PEM water electrolysis system. The use of diagnostic tools during operation of the electrolytic cell is an effective method in understanding CCM functionality. Previous investigations have been limited to the entire CCM unit. Yet the performance of each individual electrode is decisive in overall improvement of CCM design. This can be recorded based on the use of a reference electrode. The objective of my doctoral thesis is to develop my own reference electrode for use in a PEMWE cell.

The group around Professor Mérida in the Clean Energy Research Center (CERC) at the University of British Columbia has already dealt with reference electrodes in the context of PEM fuel cells. As part of my research stay, I converted the CERC laboratory’s concept for electrolysis operation and compared it experimentally with the reference electrode I developed in Hanover and brought with me. It was advantageous for this comparison that the external influences – such as the test stand used, the ambient conditions, the cell type and the materials used – were all approximated.

I was warmly welcomed by my colleagues upon my arrival. Professor Mérida’s 12-person team is interdisciplinary and covers themes such as wireless networks in the transport sector and climate impact adaptation in addition to water electrolysis. There are people of different nationalities who are collaborating in the MéridaLabs, and cultural exchange is encouraged. Currently represented are Canada, Mexico, China, Iran and India. The respectful and empathetic working atmosphere means that comprehension difficulties can quickly be resolved. This was also manifested outside the university in my free time in Vancouver. Regular team meetings enabled us to share information on the current status of our projects.

 

Privat

In the laboratory and on campus

I had to complete some safety training and lab briefings at the start of my research stay. It is worth mentioning that these may only be scheduled every fortnight, and that a buffer should therefore be planned for future projects. I also made myself familiar with the lab equipment and obtained missing materials. The procurement process required me to be granted authorisations and all the formalities had to be observed. That is another reason why a time buffer is advisable.

During the familiarisation phase I also got to know the other researchers who used the shared electrochemical lab. This enabled substantive exchange beyond the boundaries of my own research. We helped each other time and again as my stay progressed and were thus able to establish a trusting relationship.

Once my familiarisation phase transitioned into a regular lab routine, I had weekly meetings with my group leader to discuss the progress of my project. I was also assigned a master’s degree student who assisted me and could learn from me. The shared CERC laboratory is extensively equipped, which enabled me to conduct investigations beyond the planned experiments. Analytical instruments, tools and chemicals were all available. The results of the experiments enabled rapid and uncomplicated adaptations to be made. In addition to the superb lab equipment, the overall infrastructure at UBC was excellent. Large measuring and analysis equipment belonging to other institutes can be easily found and used under supervision; there is a greater range of available equipment than at Leibniz University Hanover. This enabled us to conduct additional investigations.

Robb Cohen Photography

My stay in Vancouver coincided with the ECS Meeting – one of the most significant conferences in the field of electrochemistry. I had the opportunity of presenting my research there and of jointly submitting a poster concerning our cooperative project produced together with the master's student accompanying me. The conference was also a valuable opportunity for interchange. Many of the contacts I made there have become substantive counterparts. Our joint poster was also recognised with an award.

The Electrochemical Society's Award Ceremony

The institute’s numerous offers were apparent to me in my everyday work. There were regular lectures on relevant topics in energy research and electrochemistry, and student exchange opportunities relating to the CERC. Exchange involving (PhD) students was especially promoted, for instance via internal poster displays. Even after work, we occasionally met up with colleagues for meals and outings. This included us going for a hike in the magnificent Rocky Mountains. Apart from work, most of my free time in Vancouver was spent outdoors. The campus sports facilities meant I could regularly play roundnet and football. The UBC Outdoor Club enabled me to explore one of the Provincial Parks in the Pacific Northwest and go climbing in nearby Squamish. Spring in Vancouver tends to be fairly rainy, so I first had to customise my outdoor gear.

During the last third of my research stay, Professor Mérida arranged for the master's student and me to take a business trip to the University of Oregon in Eugene, USA. The group there had achieved similar results and we compared our experimental set-ups and measurement logs on site. This experience was also helpful – both in specifically progressing my project, and generally in terms of learning about new working methods in other laboratories.

Even after the end of my research stay, I still maintain active exchange with my colleagues at MéridaLabs and we're currently working towards publication of the jointly developed results. There are moreover plans for the master’s student to spend several weeks at Leibniz University Hanover to continue our cooperation. In addition to my professional contacts, I still keep in touch with my former room mates, some fellow athletes and other exchange students I met through related UBC programmes.

In summary, this stay enabled me to further my professional development, enjoy cultural exchange and make valuable contacts, and I'm grateful to the DAAD-Stiftung for allowing me this opportunity.