Florian Mertens

Professor Florian Mertens serves as Director of the Institute of Physical Chemistry at Freiberg University of Mining and Technology within the Faculty of Chemistry, Physics and Biosciences. His research group focuses on materials-related issues related to energy storage and conversion, with particular emphasis on hydrogen storage, catalytic hydrogenation for energy storage, and porous media. His laboratory investigates metal hydrides, transition metal catalysts, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as key material systems.

Prof. Mertens' research interests span adsorption phenomena on surfaces, adsorption in microporous structures, calorimetry of chemical and biological systems, heterogeneous catalysis, hydrogen storage, catalytic surface reactions, reaction-diffusion systems, structure, kinetics and thermodynamics of complex metal hydrides, synthesis and analysis of highly porous media (metal organic frameworks), modeling of defect structures, and ab initio simulations. His work bridges fundamental physical chemistry with practical applications in energy storage and conversion technologies.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on thermodynamic characterization of complex hydrides, development of catalysts for CO₂ hydrogenation, and investigation of metal-organic frameworks for separation and storage applications. The research shows a consistent pattern of combining experimental calorimetry with materials synthesis and characterization to address challenges in hydrogen storage and carbon-neutral fuel production.

• General Motors R&D Appreciation Award
• Alexander von Humboldt Foundation – Feodor Lynen Fellowship

Prof. Mertens leads a vibrant research group with numerous doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers working on various aspects of energy materials. His team has developed specialized equipment for calorimetric measurements and gas-solid reaction studies. The group collaborates extensively with industrial partners in the automotive and energy sectors, particularly on hydrogen storage technologies and power-to-gas conversion systems. Current projects focus on developing catalysts for CO₂ methanation within the power-to-gas concept, investigating complex hydrides for hydrogen storage, and exploring metal-organic frameworks for separation applications.

The research group maintains specialized laboratories for materials synthesis, characterization, and testing, including facilities for high-precision calorimetry, gas adsorption measurements, and catalytic testing under controlled conditions. The team has developed innovative approaches to studying hydrogen storage materials and catalytic processes relevant to renewable energy integration.