Research Topics
Functionalization - new materials for chemical process engineering: By using tailored catalyst structures and functional surfaces, locally optimal flow conditions for reaction and transport processes can be realized in order to achieve maximum yields and selectivities in multiphase reaction processes. We study how the wetting efficiency of materials can be tuned, flow though porous structures can be optimized, and which structures and configurations can be used to generate high interfacial areas.
# ceramic honeycomb and solid foam catalysts, # hierarchically structured packings, # hydrophobization, # flow pattern, # transfer highways
Intensification - new reactor and process technologies: technical concepts with unconventional process intensification principles enable efficient flow control and interaction of fluid phases with functionalized surfaces, utilize new approaches for enhanced mass transfer, and can reduce mass transfer limitations. We are investigating how hydrodynamic cavitation can disrupt particles and fibers, how supercritical conditions can enable syntheses, and how dynamic process control can improve catalyst utilization.
# process intensification, # hydrodynamic cavitation, # sandwich packings, # rotating reactor equipment, # reactor dynamics
Integration - process development and circular economy: Connecting material and energy fluxes, the reduction of emissions and the treatment and recycling of waste are core elements of the circular economy. In this context, the consideration of sustainable raw material usage already during process design as well as efficient separation and recycling processes are essential to close material cycles. We investigate syntheses to chemical value-added products with feedstocks from biomass and thermal combustion or synthetic gases (on the basis of renewable processes), which tolerate turndowns and fluctuations, as well as study chemical recycling by means of solvolysis.
# circular economy, # solvolysis, # waste/power-to-X, # CO2 separation, # thermal separation