Congratulations to Ansgard Karin Nemec on successfully defending her thesis

On August 17, 2026, Ansgard Karin Nemec successfully defended her thesis titled“Theoretical Investigations of System Configurations and Practical Testing of System Components for the Catalytic Disposal of Perfluorinated Compounds.” The thesis was supervised by Dipl.-Ing. Jerome Michel (TU Dresden) and Dr. Felix Marschallek (DAS Environmental Expert GmbH). The faculty advisor was Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Beckmann (TU Dresden).

The thesis focused on perfluorinated hydrocarbons (PFCs), which pose a technical challenge —particularly with regard to their environmentally sound treatment—due to their high chemical stability. The aim of the thesis was to investigate various approaches to the disposal of these compounds and to examine suitable system configurations and selected components from both theoretical and practical perspectives.

To this end, existing technologies and system concepts for exhaust gas treatment were first analyzed and compared with one another based on various technical and energy-related criteria. Building on this, selected system configurations were examined in greater detail and evaluated in terms of energy efficiency.

Another focus was on the practical testing of selected components of a catalytic system at a pilot plant operated by DAS Environmental Expert GmbH. In particular, the heating and efficiency of the catalyst were examined under various operating conditions. The findings obtained during the experiments enable an assessment of the potential of the investigated technology and provide starting points for its further development and optimization.

The thesis thus contributes to the investigation of new possibilities for more efficient treatment of PFC-containing exhaust gases and combines theoretical system analyses with practical pilot-scale studies.

We warmly congratulate Ms. Nemec on her successful thesis and wish her all the best and much success in her future career.