Elena Tomšík awarded the Werner von Siemens Prize for research in energy storage
On March 19, 2025, scientist Elena Tomšík from the Department of Conductive Polymers was awarded the prestigious Werner von Siemens Prize for the most significant achievement in basic research. The prize was awarded for the publication “Effect of Hydrogen Bonding on a Value of an Open Circuit Potential of Poly-(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) as a Beneficial Mode for Energy Storage Devices” (doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202103001), published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials by Wiley.
Elena Tomšík, Ph.D and the article’s co-author, Iryna Ivanko, Ph.D (J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry), work with the concept of using conductive polymer-based supercapacitors for storing electrical energy. The award-winning publication provides fundamental insights into the effect of hydrogen bonding on the electrochemical properties of poly-(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), one of the most widely used conductive polymers in functional electronic materials.
A new perspective on the properties of polymer electrochemical materials
While previous research focused primarily on optimizing the conductivity and stability of PEDOT, Tomšík and Ivanko addressed the still underexplored effect of hydrogen bonding in electrochemical environments. Their work demonstrated that hydrogen bonds significantly increase the open circuit potential (Voc) and reduce the rate of self-discharge, which directly influences the supercapacitor’s ability to store energy and improves its performance. This discovery opens new possibilities for designing highly efficient electrochemical systems and pushes the boundaries of how polymer material properties can be tuned at the molecular level.
“The improvement in PEDOT’s stability and the reduction in self-discharge rate were achieved by adding formic acid to the initial monomer solution, from which PEDOT is then obtained by electrochemical deposition. Formic acid creates hydrogen bonds in the material, which strengthen the resulting crystalline structure. This 'enhanced' PEDOT can then serve as a base for manufacturing supercapacitors, and test results confirm that this type of storage device could, in the future, find use in both static and mobile applications,” explained Elena Tomšík, and added: “The Werner von Siemens Prize represents significant recognition, which I deeply appreciate. It is a great encouragement for further work on research that has the potential to contribute to sustainable energy use. The topic we are working on offers many inspiring possibilities for practical application.”
The significance and impact of the award
The Werner von Siemens Prize is one of the most prestigious honors in the field of science and technology in the Czech Republic. Each year, it is awarded to outstanding individuals whose work has a practical impact on modern technologies and contributes to innovations with broad applicability. The prize not only recognizes the contribution of scientists but also increases the visibility of Czech research in the international context.
The success of Elena Tomšík confirms the high quality of research taking place at Czech scientific institutions and highlights the important role of basic research in the future of sustainable energy. This discovery may contribute to further improving supercapacitors, bringing us closer to the reality of faster charging and long-term sustainable energy sources.
“The 27th edition of the competition has demonstrated the top-level quality of Czech technical and natural sciences education,” said Eduard Palíšek, CEO of Siemens Czech Republic. “A number of winning works focused on issues related to the most efficient use and storage of electrical energy. I believe the original ideas and solutions of our laureates have the potential to find practical application and contribute to ensuring sufficient energy for humanity,” he added.
