Matthias Arenz

Prof. Dr. Matthias Arenz is a Professor of Physical Chemistry and Director of the Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Bern, Switzerland. He leads the NanoElectroCatalysis research group, focusing on electrocatalytic processes for energy conversion and storage. Previously, he held roles including Associate Professor at the University of Copenhagen and Emmy Noether Group Leader at the Technical University of Munich. His research bridges fundamental catalyst design and applied systems, emphasizing colloidal synthesis methods (e.g., Co4Cat) and advanced characterization techniques like operando X-ray scattering and in-situ microscopy.

Education: Diploma in Physics (University of Bonn, 1999), PhD in Physical Chemistry (University of Bonn, 2002), postdoc at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (2002–2004). He has developed innovative electrochemical instrumentation, including pressurized RDE setups and gas diffusion electrode cells to improve mass transport studies. Collaborations include projects with institutions like the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg and the University of Yamanashi.

Research interests span catalyst synthesis, electrochemical method development, and stability evaluation. His group investigates support-particle interactions, nanoporous thin films, and high entropy alloys. Over 100 publications reflect his contributions to electrocatalysis, with recent studies on iridium nanoparticles and NiFe layered double hydroxides for oxygen evolution reactions.

Leadership roles include President of the Bernese Chemical Society (2017–2020) and Deputy Director of his department (2021–2023). The research team includes senior scientists, PhD candidates, and international collaborators, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches combining chemistry, physics, and engineering.