Heterogeneous Catalysis

The work of the group is concentrated on the synthesis and characterization of inorganic materials with an application focus in heterogeneous catalysis. Especially important are high surface area materials with controlled porosity and nanostructured catalysts. Reactions studied include model reactions, such as CO oxidation, and energy relevant conversions, i.e. methane activation, biomass conversion, ammonia decomposition and catalyzed hydrogen storage. This research is supported by studies into the fundamental processes governing solids formation.

Research Topics:

Mechanocatalysis

Mechanical energy input can drive chemical reactions. The group studies such mechanochemical reactions by using different types of ball mills. [more]

Electrocatalysis

Direct use of electrical energy is one of the key elements in the conversion of the chemical industry to a more sustainable production. The entry point into various value chains is water electrolysis to generate hydrogen. [more]

Nanostructured Catalysts

Solid catalysts are often structured on the nanoscale. Various methods are available to achieve such nanostructuring, including different templating pathways... [more]

Design of Meso- and Microporous Solids

Mesoporous solids have pores in the size range between 2 and 50 nm, microporous materials pores below 2 nm. A multitude of different micro- and mesoporous solids is known, such... [more]

Hydrogen Storage Materials

Hydrogen Storage is one of the key problems for the implementation of a hydrogen energy economy. Solid hydrides are possible alternatives... [more]

Biomass Conversion

Due to the expected depletion of fossil fuels, alternatives are required for the supply of our societies with fuels and alternative feedstocks for chemical production. Different types of biomass... [more]

FUNCAT

The Max-Planck-Cardiff-Center FUNCAT is a joint activity between three Max-Planck-Institute (Chemical Energy Conversion (CEC), Fritz-Haber-Institute (FHI), and Kohlenforschung(KOFO)) and the Cardiff Catalysis Center (CCI). It was established in 2020 with the vision to stronger integrate the catalysis activities of the four entities. [more]

Prof. Dr. Claudia Weidenthaler received the Agricola Medal.

Great honor for Claudia Weidenthaler

September 28, 2023

Group leader of the Kohlenforschung receives the Agricola Medal of the German Mineralogical Society more

Dr. Özgül Agbaba, Postdoc at the MPI, has a plan. For her project she has the backing of her supervisor, Prof. Ferdi Schüth.

When special mills go to market

September 26, 2023

Postdoc of the Max Planck Institut für Kohlenforschung applies for funding for her own startup “MechSyn”. more

Dr. Leila Karam works as a Postdoc at the institute.

Minerva’s daughters learn from each other

September 19, 2023

Dr. Leila Karam works on the synthesis of nanoparticles more

Ina Brandes and Prof. Ferdi Schüth have a closer look at the reactions in the high pressure laboratories of the institute.

“Findings on catalysis attract international attention”

September 15, 2023

Science Minister Ina Brandes visits the Max-Planck-Institut für Kohlenforschung more

Berkeley Professor honoured as Karl Ziegler Visiting Professor at the Kohlenforschung

May 22, 2023

Festive lecture with exciting catalysis concepts by F. Dean Toste and brand-new insights into Karl Ziegler's political mindset in his early career
more

Ferdi Schüth speaks about biofuel in the Science Center Futurium

Video September 15, 2020

The Art of Catalysis

Video December 18, 2017