Catalyst shaping & scale-up
Team Lead
About
The complex interplay of mass and heat transport in catalytic reactions, as well as the extreme volume change during chemical hydrogen storage and release, require a catalyst matrix tailored to each individual reaction system. This is the only way to ensure the highest possible performance under the relevant reaction conditions. At the same time, the various molded bodies must withstand harsh reaction conditions, thermal and mechanical stress, and possible impurities in the input materials over long life cycles. In addition to classic processes such as extrusion, pellet pressing, injection molding, and (wash) coating, novel shaping concepts such as 3D printing or functionalized metal foams and sponges are expected to provide insights into structure-activity relationships and the long-term behavior of catalyst molded bodies.
Research Topics
- Scale-up and shaping of innovative catalysts for both synthesis and reforming of hydrogen carriers
- Mechanical stability of molded bodies (e.g., under flexible and harsh reaction conditions, extreme volume changes during chemical hydrogen storage and release)
- Investigation and optimization of residence time and diffusion behavior (pellet diffusion, gas distribution in the reactor, heat transfer, etc.) and their influence on activity and product distribution