Introducing the WISE researchers

WISE takes great pride in showcasing our distinguished researchers, and today, we are happy to introduce Professor Patric Jannasch from the Centre for Analysis and Synthesis at Lund University. Joining the university’s Department of Chemistry in 1998 as a Research Fellow, Professor Jannasch established a research group focused on polymers for energy technologies. In 2010 he was appointed Full Professor of Polymer Technology. Under his leadership, Professor Jannasch’s group is dedicated to advancing research in new multifunctional polymer materials, aimed at addressing pressing global challenges in energy and sustainability.

Why did you choose to join WISE?

WISE fits very well with the line of research of my group at Lund university. I am also greatly inspired by the magnitude and boldness of WISE, and its clear focus on sustainability.

 Can you tell us about your WISE project?

The key to achieving efficient and sustainable large-scale hydrogen production lies essentially in the advancement of anion exchange membranes (AEMs). These membranes play a crucial role in water electrolysis, the process of splitting water into oxygen and hydrogen gas. The function of the highly alkaline AEMs is to separate the gases generated at the two electrodes while allowing fast transport of hydroxide ions, a critical point for the operation of both electrolyser cells and fuel cells. The primary challenge to facilitate the development of alkaline AEM electrolyzers is to molecularly design AEMs with sufficiently high performance and alkaline stability.

In our WISE project, we are exploring new classes of cationic ionenes and organic cations with very high alkaline stability, and synthetic strategies to attach these in polymeric structures to obtain durable AEMs with high ionic conductivity, tailored specifically for water electrolysis.

How will your research help our society to become more sustainable?

Large-scale implementation of AEM electrolysers will allow hydrogen production at reduced cost, and improved energy efficiency and higher durability compared to today’s conventional systems.  Additionally, AEM electrolysers do not require expensive and scarce elements such as iridium, ruthenium, and platinum, and instead utilize more sustainable and available materials such as nickel-based or even iron-based materials. Finally, the AEM materials we are studying in the project are fluorine-free, in contrast to most commercially available ones today.

To learn more about Professor Jannasch’s WISE project visit:

Alkali-stable ionenes and membranes for sustainable hydrogen production