According to Maximilian Fichtner, it’s only a matter of time before gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles will be replaced by electric cars. In this interview, the renowned battery expert explains why Chinese storage technology is faster and more powerful—and why Europe is in danger of missing the boat
Mobility
Rules for electric traffic
Electric mobility is picking up speed worldwide. Governments rely on various regulatory measures to manage their markets and drive the transition to sustainable transportation solutions
Energy Transition
Solid Energy
Researchers are working hard to create more powerful batteries for electric mobility. Solid-state batteries are one approach because they enable significantly extended range and are safer. Evonik has developed a building block for polymer electrolytes that could overcome the disadvantages of existing solid-state batteries
Chemistry
ELEMENTS Audio
Here you can listen to ELEMENTS:
In our podcasts, we let experts have their say and report directly on their projects.
Amin Zadehnazari is a postdoctoral researcher at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York (USA).
Circularity
Plastic from Oil - Oil from Plastic
The global production of plastic has been continuously increasing for decades. It's high time to bring these products back into the cycle. Flow improvers from Evonik support chemical recycling in this endeavor.
Energy Transition
Under Power
Expensive energy sources and raw materials as well as stricter requirements for climate change mitigation require new processes for the production of chemicals. Evonik is therefore exploring ways to make greater use of electrochemical processes and products—and has set up a platform specifically for this purpose
Interview
Using natural resources sustainably
René Kleijn (58) is an associate professor in Industrial Ecology at Leiden University in the Netherlands. He is the author of many scientific publications and helped develop the field Industrial Ecology into a mature scientific discipline in the early 2000s. His research revolves the systematic analysis of sustainability issues using tools like Life Cycle Assessment and Substance and Material Flow Analysis. Kleijn has applied these tools in many different domains including the chemical industry, the energy sector and the recycling industry. In recent years, the focus in his research has been on critical raw materials, resilient and responsible supply chains, circularity, and possible material constraints within the energy transition
Circularity
A new direction for Lithium recycling
The aim of expanding electric mobility is to help save the climate. Nonetheless, the extraction of the lithium that is needed for this effort is leaving highly visible tracks on the earth. Recycling this raw material, which is crucial for battery production, is mitigating this strain on the environment. High-performance membranes from Evonik could soon be at the center of this trend
Marcel Häfele is a YouTuber who focuses on chemistry and other natural sciences. He is particularly fascinated by the properties of gallium.
Hydrogen from the biorefinery
At the Evonik site in Rheinfelden, on the border with Switzerland, hydrogen is produced in an unconventional way.
“I’m reaching for the stars”
Dr. Andrea “Annie” Kritcher is a nuclear engineer and physicist on the National Ignition Faculty at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California. For the December 2022 experiment, she designed the capsule that contained the deuterium and tritium fuel
Evonik-Country
Evonik Country
Mexico: Fair to sunny
What’s the secret behind Mexico’s appeal? The combination of a lively culture and a favorable climate—factors that also have an economic impact. The country between the USA and Central America is experiencing rapid technological and industrial development. Evonik is supporting this upswing with innovative products and solutions
Evonik Country
Egypt: A land with a remarkable sense of purpose
Egypt’s historic heritage captivates people from all over the world—largely because it leaves many questions open, such as those concerning the construction of the pyramids. But one thing is clear: The Egyptians are characterized by a remarkable sense of purpose, whether they’re constructing a canal cutting straight through the country or erecting a new metropolis. Evonik too is firmly established in this environment
Evonik Country
Japan: Roots and resilience
Japan is a highly developed industrial nation. But elements of the country’s rich cultural heritage are firmly anchored even in the midst of its bustling major cities. Whether it’s comics, cuisine or stagecraft, this island nation on the rim of the Pacific Ocean knows how to integrate tradition into modern life
Evonik Country
Poland: An old facade, a modern heart
Poland is rich in tradition, and the companies based here have become coveted partners in many sectors. From precision craftsmanship in furniture manufacturing to future-oriented concepts of green energy, Poland skillfully combines its historical heritage with pioneering solutions.
Evonik Country
New Zealand: Cloudwarriors
Welcome to Aotearoa! In the language of New Zealand’s original inhabitants, the Māori, this name means “the land of the long white cloud”— a reference to a special cloud formation that is said to have guided Polynesian seafarers here a long time ago. This island group in the Pacific Ocean features a breathtaking natural environment that has a spiritual meaning for the Maōri and also shapes the country’s economy.
