Multi-functional 4-fold parallel reactor systems for catalyst research

• Subject Area: Chemical Solid State and Surface Research
• Term: Funded in 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 498608259

For future catalyst research at the Institute of Inorganic Chemistry at Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, a large-scale device is needed to perform catalytic studies with sufficient measurement capacity and to complement the already well-equipped areas of catalyst synthesis and characterization. For this purpose, a multifunctional 4-fold parallel reactor is requested to carry out kinetic tests, in particular on hydrogenation reactions of COx and N2 for alcohol synthesis (methanol and higher alcohols) and ammonia synthesis at elevated pressure of e.g. 30 bar and 80 bar, respectively. These reactions are not only of great importance for the production of basic chemicals and therefore subject to basic and applied research, but are currently gaining new attention in the context of chemical hydrogen and energy storage. Fundamental research questions address e.g. reaction and deactivation mechanisms under dynamic conditions as well as the development of new catalyst materials. For both research directions, rapid catalytic tests will be performed, as well as comprehensive kinetic studies to support mechanism elucidation and to study catalyst stability. The 4-fold parallel configuration ensures sufficient measurement capacity for the scope of the research direction. A liquid feed must be implemented for co-dosing of steam and alcohols. For the necessary connection characterization of the expansion samples, it is essential that the equipment has the capability to remove the catalysts under inert gas after the tests. The requested device is an essential building block of our future activities in the field of structure/composition activity/selectivity relationships and a prerequisite for further development of our catalyst research by reaching new operating conditions (high pressure), by establishing new measurement methods (based on liquid dosing and by inert removal), as well as by providing urgently needed measurement capacity.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Multifunktionaler 4-fach Parallelreaktor für Katalysatorforschung
• Instrumentation Group: 8200 Reaktionsgefäße für Hochdruck, Autoklaven
• Applicant Institution: Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel
• Leader: Professor Dr. Malte Behrens