Research Group Mürtz

Our research group focuses on organic electrocatalysis, with particular emphasis on the electrochemical depolymerization and upgrading of lignin, and is currently being established. Lignin is an aromatic biopolymer that occurs in large amounts as a component of lignocellulosic biomass (e.g., from wood and agricultural residues).

The aim of our research is to utilize lignin as a sustainable resource by using renewable energy. Through oxidative and reductive electrochemical reaction pathways, lignin can be converted into organic redox flow electrolytes as well as other valuable products, ranging from solvents to fine chemicals.

Our research focus

• Development of electrochemical strategies for converting lignin into valuable platform chemicals and energy materials
• Synthesis and characterization of novel electrocatalysts
• Selective electrochemical C-C bond cleavage