Julia Kunze Liebhäuser is the Head of the Institute of Physical Chemistry at the University of Innsbruck and a leading expert in materials and electrochemistry. Her research group is dedicated to understanding the fundamental principles that govern electrochemical processes at solid/liquid interfaces. These insights are crucial for advancing next generation energy conversion and storage technologies.

A central focus of the group lies in electrocatalysis, particularly the transformation of water and CO₂ into valuable fuels and chemicals. The team investigates the underlying mechanisms of these interfacial reactions under realistic operating conditions.

Their work combines the use of advanced in-situ techniques, such as differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS), electrochemical infrared spectroscopy (ECIRRAS), electrochemical X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (EC-XPS) and electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy (EC-STM), with complementary ex-situ methods, including XPS and scanning electron microscopy. This enables a detailed view of interfaces with complexities ranging from well-defined model systems to application-relevant nanostructures.

Through this integrated approach, the group aims at generating the fundamental knowledge needed to develop more efficient and sustainable technologies for a cleaner energy future.