Using hydrogen in thermochemical energy conversion processes creates unique opportunities to decarbonize several sectors including power generation, industrial process heat, and mobility. In this IRTG, we will consider applications that are particularly relevant for the energy transition and represent prototypical examples covering a wide range of fundamental aspects. These applications include internal combustion engines (ICE), stationary burners in gas turbines for power generation and industrial furnaces, and the use of hydrogen as a reducing agent in steel production. Major fundamental and engineering challenges will be addressed within the following sub-topics:
1. Hydrogen conversion in internal combustion engines
2. Hydrogen burners in gas turbines and industrial furnaces
3. Hydrogen as reducing agent in steelmaking

Thermochemical Utilization

Imprint

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Recent news about HyPotential's research, impact, and networks!

Updates

Find out more about important upcoming events related to HyPotential, and hydrogen research in general!

Events

Hydrogen – Fundamentals of Production, Storage & Transport, Applications, and Economy.

HyPotential

HyPotential is a DFG funded International Research Training Group (GRK 2983/1) between RWTH Aachen University & Institute of Science Tokyo


Core competencies, research ideas and focus of HyPotential

Research

The establishment of a hydrogen economy must be based on the integration of currently available technologies with the development of innovative new concepts for all aspects of hydrogen production, storage, and use in industrial, stationary, and mobile applications. For the individuals facilitating, developing, and implementing this transition, extensive knowledge and oversight of all aspects of a hydrogen economy are essential. This knowledge needs to span across a matrix involving production, storage and transport, and thermo- and electrochemical utilization both at the fundamental and the technological level, and it needs to involve life-cycle assessments and socio-economic analysis.

To address the major fundamental challenges of a hydrogen-based economy, the IRTG is structurally composed of five different research areas. Four of them are focused on individual aspects, i.e., production, storage and transport, and both thermochemical and electrochemical utilization of hydrogen. In addition, a cross-sectional area (CSA) addresses life-cycle assessment and system and socio-economic analysis spanning the spectrum of hydrogen-related technologies. 

About

## Why hydrogen?
The pressing significance of climate change and its associated risks to humanity are widely acknowledged, necessitating an urgent shift in our energy systems towards carbon neutrality. The substantial potential of renewable wind and solar energy must be utilized to achieve defossilization. However, widespread utilization of these intermittent sources requires effective means for transporting the energy over long distances and storing it for extended periods, for which hydrogen is very well suited. Hydrogen can be produced with good efficiency and offers remarkable versatility as a chemical energy carrier for various on-demand energy applications. It can be employed for electricity generation, providing heat for industrial processes and buildings, and as a fuel in transportation. On a global socio-economic scale, hydrogen production through processes like water electrolysis using renewable electricity or biomass gasification presents economic opportunities that can cater to diverse regions, each with its unique energy resources and needs. 

Still, many challenges and open scientific questions exist in the hydrogen life cycle from production to utilization. For instance, hydrogen production by water electrolysis and its use in fuel cells require low-cost and stable catalysts with high activity; storage and transport of hydrogen are difficult because of its low volumetric density under non-extreme conditions; and hydrogen combustion can show intrinsic flame instabilities, which precludes its use in existing combustion devices. To address the existing challenges, fundamental research is needed addressing the scientific details in the research domains of hydrogen production, transport and storage, as well as its thermo- and electrochemical utilization while considering their interconnections. 

Accordingly, this International Research Training Group (IRTG), covers these aspects holistically to pave the way for the widespread use of hydrogen as a renewable energy carrier with a meaningful impact on the wider community and society. 

## Aims and objectives of HyPotential
Responding to the pertinent challenges, the proposed IRTG aims to (1) advance the state of the research across the spectrum of hydrogen-based technologies including hydrogen production, transport and storage, thermochemical and electrochemical usage, and socio- and techno-economic analysis, and (2) train cohorts of excellent researchers and future leaders at different stages of their careers by providing them with holistic and interdisciplinary knowledge on a broad range of aspects related to the hydrogen life cycle that go beyond their immediate subject areas. RWTH Aachen University and Institute of Science Tokyo are jointly in a unique position to provide interdisciplinary competencies and an environment of world-class research both on the fundamental side, for instance, in electrocatalysis, membrane technology, combustion, and on the system scale for electrochemical, thermochemical, and other applications. 

This IRTG is the first dedicated attempt in both Germany and Japan to train a young cohort of engineers, natural scientists, and social scientists uniquely qualifying them to drive national and international programs within the energy transition, for which hydrogen is increasingly considered a central element for a long-term strategy. Hydrogen, as the theme of this IRTG, is a global topic demanding regionally different solutions because of varying local conditions. Yet, worldwide interdependencies and globally connected solutions are essential and need to be fostered. Therefore, the exposure of all involved young researchers to two very different economies is a major added value provided by the IRTG. 


Principle investigators and researchers involved in HyPotential

People

The excellent and diverse team of PIs involved in the HyPotential have both complementary and overlapping expertise, which enables a highly interdisciplinary research structure to bring together researchers with a wide range of expertise and interests. At a broader level, the research structure is woven out of various complementarities arising from theoretical versus experimental and fundamental versus system scale research. This is only made possible due to the collaboration between RWTH Aachen and Institute of Science Tokyo. This holistic structure is ideal for the all-round training of the researchers because it allows the development of fruitful synergies in research. 

Contact

**Email:**
hypotential@itv.rwth-aachen.de

**Phone:**
+49 241 80-94607

Several doctoral and postdoctoral positions open on a diverse range of topics!

Open Positions

# Be a leading innovator in the transition to a green economy!
# Realize your HyPotential!

The International Research Training Group between RWTH Aachen University & Institute of Science Tokyo, **HyPotential**, is inviting applications from excellent candidates with a Masters degree (or equivalent) for advancing the state of research on the fundamentals of hydrogen production, storage & transport, applications, & economy and to participate in a holistic training program in all these areas.

## What’s in it for you?
- Research in an excellent, diverse & highly interdisciplinary global team
- Special mentoring & coaching program _Women of the IRTG_ for female candidates
- 6-month exchange visit to TokyoTech for collaborative research 
- Participation in regular summer schools, workshops & international conferences
- Highly individualized training program to enhance your soft & transversal skills 
- Professional networking with pioneers from both industry & academia
- Financial support after PhD for continuing original & excellent research if selected

The qualification program for doctoral candidates will open a wide range of career paths including positions in industry, engineering consulting, energy-related NGOs, energy policy, and of course, academia! The goal of the postdoctoral training will be the pursuit of a career in scientific research by providing them opportunities to participate in advising, advance their scientific profile with high impact publications, as well as train them in writing research proposals and group leadership.

## Selection procedure
Doctoral candidates will be selected in a transparent process based on the relevance of their educational background, academic achievements, excellence in Master’s research, previous internship experiences, recommendations, and assessments in interviews. **We seek applicants who bring diversity to the talent pool and have Master’s level research expertise related to the relevant topics. We highly encourage female and international candidates to apply!** Postdoctoral candidates will be appointed based on the scientific excellence and impact of their doctoral research, research statements, publications, recommendations, and interview assessments. 

Each applicant is required to submit the following application documents: cover letter, curriculum vitae, copies of their degree certificates, 3 references including a letter of recommendation signed by the supervisor of their Master's or doctoral thesis, and a personal statement to relate their plans to the scientific scope of the IRTG. For postdoctoral positions, a research statement is additionally required.  

All the information on the specific PhD openings can be viewed below. Interested doctoral candidates should directly apply to the PI leading the corresponding research topic of interest. After evaluation of the application documents the candidates will be invited to a personal interview. For any other queries please contact us at [hypotential@itv.rwth-aachen.de](mailto:hypotential@itv.rwth-aachen.de).



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Heinz Pitsch

Principal Investigators (RWTH)

Prof. Dr. -Ing.

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Wolfgang Schröder

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Stefan Pischinger

The electrochemical utilization of hydrogen has several advantages, particularly in fuel cells where electrochemical conversion can lead to higher energy efficiency compared to thermochemical processes. Typically, these processes have zero (or near-to-zero) emissions during operation with the typical byproduct being water. Fuel cells can be utilized across various sectors, including transportation, stationary power generation, and portable devices, and therefore have a huge decarbonization potential. RA4 focuses on research and development along various lines from electrochemistry and materials to fuel cell systems for driving improvements in their performance, enhancing durability, reducing costs, and expanding the range of applications. Additionally, RA4 considers the interaction of these aspects and the mutual influence of boundary conditions. The following sub-topics will be addressed:
1. Electrochemistry in fuel cells
2. Materials characterization in fuel cells
3. Fuel cell systems

Electrochemical Utilization

Prof. Dr.-Ing.

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Mamoru Tanahashi

Principal Investigators (ISCT)

Prof.

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Miyuki Hayashi

Prof. 

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Hidenori Kosaka

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Tomohiro Nozaki

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Shibam Bose

Doctoral Researchers (RWTH)

M. Sc. 

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Thomas Howarth

Postdoctoral Reseachers

Dr.-Ing. 

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Svenja Nerzak

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Yuji Tagaya

Doctoral Researchers (ISCT)

M. Sc.

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Zin Shahin

The goal of achieving a sustainable energy future based on hydrogen requires sustainable production methods. RA1 focuses primarily on electrocatalytic water splitting, which has attracted much attention as it enables CO2-free production of H2 as an energy carrier. The second subtopic in RA1 considers innovative methods for reducing the carbon footprint of grey hydrogen technologies. The sub-topics are:
1. Green hydrogen production from electrocatalytic water splitting
2. Reducing the carbon footprint of grey hydrogen production 

Production

This is the most schwifty research area of all of them.

Hydrogen transport and storage are critical for the roll-out of a hydrogen economy, especially because the associated burden could comprise 35 % of the overall greenhouse gas footprint. As a result of hydrogen‘s low volumetric energy density, its  long-distance transport and local distribution is difficult. Physical methods such as compression and liquefaction have been explored as possible options. Also chemical methods of incorporating it into Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHCs) and sorption into solid phase materials have been investigated. RA2 brings together many of these interesting topics under the following subtopics:
1. Electrochemical hydrogen compression
2. Chemical hydrogen storage 

Storage & Transport

The advancement of hydrogen-related technologies and the hydrogen economy must be built on a foundation of reliable assessments of their economic feasibility, environmental impacts, and efficiency. These assessments determine whether a system is competitive with established references. Consequently, they need to be performed for novel hydrogen production, transport, storage, and utilization technologies. Further, integrating these aspects into an overall energy system model is necessary for building confidence and a positive public perception. The CSA deals with the assessments of hydrogen-based technologies and systems at different scales of application addressing socio-economic, techno-economic, and environmental criteria, under the following sub-topics:
1. Design of sustainable socio-economic hydrogen energy systems
2. Life-cycle analyses and ecosystems research

Systems Design & Life-Cycle Assessment

RA3: Thermochemical Utilization

Involved Researchers

Prof. Dr. -Ing.

Heinz Pitsch

Institute for Combustion Technology

Thermochemical Utilization

Prof. Dr. -Ing.

Wolfgang Schröder

Chair of Fluid Mechanics and Institute of Aerodynamics

Thermochemical Utilization

Prof. Dr.-Ing.

Stefan Pischinger

Chair of Thermodynamics of Mobile Energy Conversion Systems

Electrochemical Utilization, Thermochemical Utilization

Prof.

Mamoru Tanahashi

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Thermochemical Utilization

Prof.

Miyuki Hayashi

Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Materials and Chemical Technology

Thermochemical Utilization

Prof.

Hidenori Kosaka

Department of Systems and Control Engineering, School of Engineering

Thermochemical Utilization

Prof.

Tomohiro Nozaki

Department on Mechanical Sciences and Engineering

Thermochemical Utilization

M. Sc.

Shibam Bose

Institute for Combustion Technology

Thermochemical Utilization

Dr.-Ing.

Thomas Howarth

Institute for Combustion Technology

Thermochemical Utilization

M. Sc.

Svenja Nerzak

Institute for Combustion Technology

Thermochemical Utilization

M. Sc.

Yuji Tagaya

Department of Systems and Control Engineering, School of Engineering

Thermochemical Utilization

M. Sc.

Zin Shahin

Chair of Fluid Mechanics and Institute of Aerodynamics

Thermochemical Utilization