Current Collaborative Projects
Development of descriptors for acetylene hemihydrogenation (FHI, KOFO)
In this project, different supported metal catalysts are synthesized, in detail analyzed, and catalytically characterized under well controlled, standardized conditions. The results serve as input for a data driven machine learning approaches to elucidate suitable descriptors for acetylene hemihydrogenation.
Development of descriptors for CO2 hydrogenation (CCI, FHI, KOFO)
Different synthesis techniques are used for the synthesis of catalysts suitable for CO2 hydrogenation. The solids are in detail analyzed with various methods, the catalytic performance is studied under various conditions. The results serve as input for a data driven machine learning approaches to elucidate suitable descriptors for acetylene hemihydrogenation.
Novel catalysts for acetylene conversion (CEC, CCI, FHI, KOFO)
Catalysts for acetylene oligomerization and hemihydrogenation are synthesized by conventional methods as well as by thin film techniques and ball milling. Catalysts are tested at low acetylene concentration and atmospheric pressure and in equimolar acetylene/ethylene feeds at elevated pressure. Catalysts are characterized in detail to correlate solid properties with performance.
Novel catalysts for acetylene hydrochlorination (CCI, KOFO)
Catalyst development has reached already a high level, since the process is commercialized with an industrial partner. Heteroatom doped carbons seem to have potential as supports for improved catalysts compared to the state of the art.
Mechanochemically synthesized catalysts for propane dehydrogenation (KOFO, FHI)
Propane dehydrogenation is a reaction carried out on the industrial scale. In exploratory experiments, it had been discovered that mechanochemically synthesized supported metal catalysts are highly interesting for this reaction. Moreover, also unusual supports accessible by mechanochemistry appear to have high potential for the reaction. This topic is now explored systematically to identify the relevant parameters rendering catalysts highly active.
Bimetallic catalysts for redox reactions (CEC, CCI, FHI, KOFO)
Different redox reactions are of interest to several FUNCAT partners. The different advanced methods available in the teams are used to synthesize bi- and trimetallic catalysts, which are often difficult to obtain via conventional synthetic pathways. The catalysts are tested in the different reactions established in the teams and, if highly performant, characterized in depth to identify properties responsible for good performance.