1 / 2025 // LEOPOLDINA / NEWS 9
The third hydrogen boom
Leopoldina Member and Chemist Ferdi Schüth on the simplest element in the universe
Ferdi Schüth , Leopoldina Member since 2008 , studies hydrogen . For the third time in his scientific career Ferdi Schüth is seeing a hydrogen boom . In this interview , the Chemist and Director of the Max Planck Institute ( MPI ) for Coal Research in Mülheim an der Ruhr / Germany discusses his connection with this element . Ferdi Schüth is one of the spokespersons of the Leopoldina Focus Group “ Climate and Energy ” that provides impulses for the medium-term design of the German and European energy system and takes position on current shortterm developments .
What do you find so fascinating about this chemical element ? Ferdi Schüth : Hydrogen is by far not only the most common element in the universe , but also the simplest , because it consists of only two elementary particles , one proton and one electron . In addition , the mass of its nucleus has been determined to the nearest ten decimal places .
It is also an extremely useful element because it will become the backbone of our future energy infrastructure , as the shortest route of electrical energy to any substance is only via hydrogen . This makes hydrogen a very exciting element which is being researched by colleagues in many different disciplines .
Ferdi Schüth .
Image : Frank Vinken | MPI für Kohlenforschung
monia or methanol , so that it can be sent around the world as an energy carrier .
Biologists and biochemists are focussing on bacteria that produce hydrogen . In the field of metallurgy , hydrogen is an exciting area of research , because it can be used to produce “ green steel ”, for example . In addition , hydrogen is an interesting area of research for materials researchers , because the materials of a future hydrogen economy need to be hydrogen-compatible .
Are the materials compatible ? Schüth : Not all , as unfortunately hydrogen also has an unpleasant property in that it creeps into many materials and makes them more brittle . As a result , not every material can withstand hydrogen at high pressure and high temperatures . And we also need ways to handle hydrogen safely in everyday environments . This is also being researched .
Is research into hydrogen currently experiencing a boom ? Schüth : Yes , this is because Germany has spoken out politically in favour of a hydro-
What is a typical feature of the diversity of hydrogen research ? Schüth : In elementary particle physics the nucleus of hydrogen , the proton , is being researched as an important elementary particle . At the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics , scientists are analysing the role of hydrogen as a key component of the fusion reaction under reactor conditions .
In the field of catalysis , researchers are investigating how hydrogen can be produced as efficiently as possible from electricity and then incorporated into amgen energy economy . The aim is to set up a hydrogen grid and convert many processes to hydrogen in order to replace natural gas . This will certainly lead to more research activities . However , I should also mention that this is the third time that there has been a boom of this kind during my scientific career – but I believe this one will last a bit longer .
What makes you optimistic that it will remain topical for longer this time ? Schüth : If we look at the entire energy system , I cannot currently imagine any other process in which electrical energy can be converted so well into a substance . With electrolysis , hydrogen offers the shortest route and has an efficiency of up to 75 percent in the conversion of electricity into a material energy carrier – no other energy conversion technology can achieve this .
If we want to move away from oil and gas in chemistry , then we need another substance that can provide electrons . Hydrogen can do this . It could become the universal currency for all chemistry , which – together with carbon from CO2 – could put the entire chemistry industry onto a sustainable footing .
What did you expect from the Leopoldina Symposium , which was taking place the day after your public lecture ? Schüth : The fact that our Class I symposium was covering the subject of hydrogen so broadly is unprecedented . I personally believe hydrogen ‘ s role as an energy carrier is its most important one , it will change the world . It is important for me to spread this message . At the same time , I was also curious to look more closely at the various aspects of hydrogen at the conference .
■ THE INTERVIEW WAS CONDUCTED BY BENJAMIN HAERDLE