Johannes Ingenmey was born in the small medieval town of Bad Münstereifel, just south of Bonn. During his master’s studies at the University of Bonn, he specialized in physical and theoretical chemistry under the supervision of Prof. Barbara Kirchner. He completed both his master’s degree and PhD there. After a postdoctoral research mission in Paris, where he explored different electrode/electrolyte combinations to improve H2, O2, and CO2 evolution on electrode surfaces, Johannes returned to Prof. Kirchner’s group at the University of Bonn. Since October 2023, he has been working on his postdoctoral research, with Ecobat as his primary project.
What are you working on within Ecobat?
My research focuses on understanding how different components of the electrolyte in calcium-based batteries interact with each other—specifically, how solvent molecules coordinate with cations. I use molecular dynamics simulations to study various salt and electrolyte systems. Most of my work involves classical molecular dynamics simulations, but in the future, I plan to incorporate ab initio simulations as well. I collaborate closely with experimentalists in Prof. Binnemans’ group. By modeling systems used in calcium-based battery experiments, we can observe the same phenomena found in experiments but at the atomic level.
What attracts you in this research project?
I became deeply involved in electrochemistry during my PhD. Batteries are a contemporary and critically important topic, and for me, this research feels crucial because batteries are essential to the green energy transition. Everything I do within Ecobat contributes to the battery research community, meaning that even negative results have value. This makes the research meaningful, regardless of the outcome.
How do you see the batteries of the future?
As I work with calcium-based batteries, I believe they will play a key role in the future. Additionally, different types of batteries will likely be used for different purposes — because for example transportable batteries need different properties than those used in stationary applications.
How do you stay motivated in your research?
Having lived in Bonn for a long time, I’ve built a close-knit group of friends, many of whom are also researchers. They understand the unique challenges and fatigue that come with doing research, and this shared experience helps me stay motivated and recharge.
If you could choose a superpower, what would it be and why?
Definitely time travel, specifically to the past. I wouldn’t want to change history but rather to uncover things we don’t yet understand. For example, I’d be fascinated to witness the origin of the universe. Modern science doesn’t fully understand how the Big Bang occurred, and it’s unlikely we’ll figure it out within my lifetime — so I’d love to travel back in time and see it for myself!
To learn more about the research group of Prof. Barbara Kirchner at University of Bonn, click here.