ELCAT

The research group Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT) of professor Tom Breugelmans belongs to the Faculty of Applied Engineering and mainly focuses on electrochemistry. The core research activities within ELCAT are related to the development of state-of-the art electrochemical reactors and catalysts, with a view towards large-scale industrial development in the field of industrial electrification, in a green and sustainable way to ultimately replace the traditional chemical processes. The scope there is to improve controllability, flexibility and energy efficiency of the reactions through electrocatalyst and reactor design. This research can thus be subdivided in three main topics, which are interrelated: electrocatalysis, electrosynthesis and electrochemical reactor engineering. From those research topics, two major aspects of the identity as a group clearly come to the surface: industrial application and green chemistry. Up to date, ELCAT focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and application of nanostructured (electro)catalysts for sustainable electrochemical processes. Our research spans from fundamental catalyst design to system-level integration, addressing key challenges in activity, selectivity, and stability. By bridging material development with reactor-scale optimization, we aim to enable industrially viable, electrochemically driven alternatives to conventional chemical processes, contributing to a more sustainable future.