At INW-2 – Catalyst Materials, catalysts are developed and optimized from the nanoscale to the mesoscale, i.e., in a suitable catalyst pellet or catalytically active molded body, to enable the use of the corresponding materials in large-scale plants. Catalysts for gas and liquid phase reactions for the loading (hydrogenation) and unloading (dehydrogenation/reforming) of various carbon- and nitrogen-based hydrogen carriers are investigated in the complex interplay of mass transport, heat transport, and catalytic reaction. Multifunctional, hydrothermally stable, flexible, and scalable catalysts are the focus of the research. The catalyst materials must be further developed not only in terms of their surface chemistry (stabilization of the catalyst nanoparticles, wetting of the liquid phase, avoidance of side reactions due to carrier acidity, etc.), but also in terms of their pore network in order to optimize their mass and heat transport properties. In addition to behavior under dynamic, sometimes harsh reaction conditions, research is also focusing in particular on long-term stability under chemical, thermal, and mechanical stress. Another important aspect of research in this area is the investigation of precious metal and metal recycling from catalysts that have reached the end of their operating cycle in order to reduce costs and minimize material losses.
