Research

Research topic:

Process intensification of electrochemical particle reactors for CO₂-conversion into biotechnologically usable carbon sources

Project description: CO₂-reduction through electrobiotechnology

Conventional synthesis processes for the production of valuable fine chemicals are usually based on fossil raw materials and are associated with climate-damaging emissions. A promising alternative is to first electrochemically convert dissolvedCO₂ into carbon-based platform chemicals such as acetate and formate using electricity from renewable energies and then microbially upgrade these into fine chemicals. New processes and reactors in the field of electrobiotechnology, i.e. the combination of electrochemistry and biotechnology, thus open up a promising path for sustainable production processes in the chemical industry.

Despite its potential, the industrial application of this technology is still in its infancy. The main challenges are long-term stability, scalability and technical integration into existing processes.

The aim of the research project is to develop a new type of electrochemical platform technology for the industrial production of acetate from CO₂. The focus is on a modular, scalable high-pressure particle electrode reactor, which for the first time opens up the potential of three-dimensional particle electrodes for CO₂ reduction (Figure 1). Compared to conventional plate electrodes, this system offers a greatly increased active surface area, improves mass transfer and enables a higher current yield. These are key prerequisites for economic use up to industrial scale.

The project is divided into four work packages that build on each other: from proof-of-concept on a laboratory scale to the optimization of reactor design, operating parameters and catalysts to scaling up to a reactor on a liter scale for later integration into biotechnological production processes.

The long-term goal is to establish a CO₂-neutral synthesis process that replaces fossil carbon sources and contributes to the decarbonization of industrial value chains.

Figure 1: Schematic representation of the reactor concept. The working electrode chamber and the counter electrode chamber are separated from each other by a cation exchange membrane (CAT). A current distributor connected to the current source outside the chamber is used to polarize the particles. The CO₂ is dissolved in the working electrode chamber and is reduced to acetate or formate at the particle surface (working electrode, AE). The acetate can migrate into the counter electrode chamber via the KAT and is thus separated from the formate. Water electrolysis takes place at the counter electrode (GE) to provide the electrons.

Theses:

We are looking for highly motivated students to join our team!

Bachelor and Master theses can be assigned at any time, depending on the scientific background and interest of the applicant. Possible topics can be experimental or simulative. The topics can focus on design, process engineering or electrochemistry.

If you are interested, please send me an e-mail (see above).