Fuel synthesis (CKS & VKS)

Although electrification of the drive train in the passenger car mass market by means of batteries and electric motors is likely to progress rapidly in the coming years (due to advantageous political framework conditions), there will still be a high demand for green and sustainable fuels in sectors that involve the long-distance transport of large volumes (hard-to-decarbonize sectors). This applies to large cargo ships or long-haul aircraft, for example. Green and sustainable fuels can be synthesized on the basis of carbon dioxide – separated from the air, biogenic sources, or industrial waste gases – and green hydrogen. Examples of such fuels include methanol, ethanol, and dimethyl ether. Green hydrogen is produced through water electrolysis, which uses electricity from photovoltaic or wind systems. At IEK-14, the scientific departments “Chemistry of Fuel Synthesis” and “Process Engineering Fuel Synthesis” focus on the synthesis of green, sustainable fuels. IEK-14 thus contributes to reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the transport sector and to structural change in the Rhineland region.

Heterogeneous Catalysis

The Heterogeneous Catalysis research group of the Chemistry of Fuel Synthesis department works in an interdisciplinary team to find solutions to various scientific and technical issues, which will help to achieve the common goal of providing the energy sector – and particularly the field of transport – with novel environmentally friendly materials and processes.

More

Process Development

The “Process Development” research group of the Process Engineering Fuel Synthesis department analyses a wide variety of processes for the production of sustainable products from green H₂ and CO₂ from a technical and economic perspective.

More

Reactors and Systems

The “Reactors and Systems” research group of the Process Engineering Fuel Synthesis department focuses on the development and experimental validation of individual components and systems for producing synthetic fuels.

More

Heads of departments

Dr. Joachim Pasel (Chemistry of Fuel Synthesis)
Dr. Remzi Can Samsun (Process Engineering Fuel Synthesis)