Advancing reaction engineering for sustainable and climate-neutral processes
The Reaction Engineering Group develops sustainable and resource-efficient chemical processes through advanced reaction engineering and integrated process design. Research spans reaction kinetics, catalytic pathway development, intensified process concepts, and coupled reaction–separation technologies to enable climate-neutral production, minimize waste, and recover valuable resources from secondary streams.
Within circular economy strategies, a major focus is on recovering valuable materials from waste and process streams. This includes hydrometallurgical recycling routes for lithium-ion batteries, targeting the selective leaching and recovery of critical metals such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese to close material loops and reduce dependence on primary raw materials.
Process intensification through reactive and field-enhanced separations, combined with continuous multiphase operation, represents another core research area that improves resource efficiency and reduces downstream processing.
Advanced apparatus concepts enable intensified multiphase processing. Taylor–Couette Disc Contactors (TCDC) provide defined hydrodynamics and a high interfacial area for efficient phase contacting and are investigated for chemical and biotechnological applications, including the gentle handling of shear-sensitive systems.
Hydrogen-based and electrified conversion routes are investigated as key elements of future energy and chemical systems. Research includes plasma- assisted ammonia synthesis as well as catalytic CO₂ methanation and methanol synthesis as alternatives to energy-intensive thermochemical processes, with emphasis on energy efficiency and integration with renewable electricity.
Through the integration of circular resource recovery, reactive separation, advanced multiphase apparatus technology, and plasma-assisted synthesis, the group contributes to climate-neutral production and circular chemical processes.
