Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT
Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT

Chemical Energy Storage

A department in the field of energy

Chemische Energiespeicher
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We develop innovative processes for a successful raw material and energy turnaround – for example by creating and applying materials for chemical storage as well as the conversion of energy and CO2. Our work focuses on development and testing of technical catalysts for heterogeneous catalysis – also using innovative methods such as non-thermal plasma or direct resistance heating. We are happy to support you in the process from the first sample to the first batch on a pilot scale.

For a first overview, please see our current product sheet.

 

Catalyst synthesis and optimization | Catalyst testing and characterization | Catalyst shaping and scale-up

Catalyst synthesis and optimization

Requirements for processes and procedures change rapidly. That is why we are constantly on the lookout for efficient catalysts and optimize them according to your requirements. However, our service portfolio also includes the complete new development of catalytically active materials.

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© Fraunhofer UMSICHT/Ilka Drnovsek

Tailor-made development of new catalytic active components

 

Catalysts for industrial use

more on catalysts for industrial use
 

© Fraunhofer UMSICHT

ElkaSyn

Energy-efficient electrosynthesis of alcohols

Power-to-x processes are needed to use CO2 as a sustainable raw material. ElkaSyn therefore focuses on a one-step process in which carbon dioxide and water are converted to methanol, ethanol, propanol and butanol.

More about ElkaSyn
 

© Fraunhofer UMSICHT

Power2C4

By catalysis from ethanol to butadiene

In the "Power2C4" work package, a power-to-x process for the production of butadiene and other C4-olefins is being developed. As an alternative, safe and affordable concept, it should contribute to a climate-friendly energy supply system.

More about Power2C4

Catalyst testing and characterization

We test catalysts under industrially relevant process conditions and determine important catalyst parameters such as conversion, selectivity and productivity. This provides you with the necessary information on the suitability of a material in an industrial process. Our service covers the entire development phase of a catalyst. Possible activities include the screening of powdered catalyst samples as well as the detailed investigation of catalyst moldings under process-relevant conditions and the investigation of innovative approaches to process intensification through the use of non-thermal plasma.

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© Fraunhofer UMSICHT/Ilka Drnovsek

Testing of catalysts for industrial use

 

Joint project Carbon2Chem®

 

Carbon2Chem® subproject L-II

Dynamic Methanol Production from Steel Mill Gases

The aim is the concrete elaboration of the process concepts developed in the first project period for the production of methanol from the coupling gases of the smelter. A special focus is on the scale-up from the laboratory to the pilot plant in the technical shop.

 

Carbon2Chem® subproject L-III

Synthesis Gas

In the Carbon2Chem® joint project, we are using NT plasma catalysis to remove trace oxygen from hydrogen-rich coke oven gases. We are developing and testing volume DBD NT plasma reactors specialized for this application.

 

Carbon2Chem® subproject L-IV

Higher Alcohols

The focus is on the development of an overall catalytic process for the direct conversion of upgraded coupled gas to short-chain alcohols, olefins and synthetic fuels. This process is then to be developed to demonstration maturity.

 

Gas conversion by activation with non-thermal plasma

Catalyst shaping and scale-up

The shaping of catalysts is crucial for technical applications. Whether classically in bulk form or as honeycomb – with the help of extrusion equipment, we can produce individually shaped catalysts according to your specifications. The spectrum ranges from supported catalysts to solid catalysts.

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Synthesis of catalysts for industrial application

 

© Fraunhofer UMSICHT

Synthesis of 1,3-butadiene from ethanol in an ohmic reactor

To demonstrate the use of an ohmic reactor with functionalized, electrically conductive catalyst molded bodies – this is the objective of the joint work of Fraunhofer ISC, Fraunhofer ITWM and Fraunhofer UMSICHT. The aim is to develop new resource- and energy-efficient synthesis routes for the chemical industry. 

More about the ohmic reactor
 

Shaping the chemical industry sustainably

Defossilizing production chains and establishing circular, greenhouse gas-neutral material and energy conversion – the chemical industry has set itself ambitious goals in terms of sustainability. As of now, nine institutes of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft are providing support in this process: In the lead project ShaPID, they want to bundle their research activities for achieving the sustainability goals and at the same time strengthen their relationships with the industry. 

 

© Fraunhofer UMSICHT

IMOKAT

Precious metal-free catalyst for methane oxidation

To develop a precious metal reduced or precious metal free catalyst for the oxidation of methane – this was the aim of the IMOKAT project. The focus was also on shaping it into a honeycomb catalyst for technical use.

More about IMOKAT