Project Description

To reduce the impact of climate change, in addition to cutting emissions, technologies are needed that remove CO₂ from the atmosphere. A key technology for this task is Direct Air Capture (DAC). In DAC, CO₂ is adsorbed or absorbed from the air so that it can be recovered in subsequent downstream processes, either as a pure gas or in another form. The CO₂ can then either be permanently stored (CCS, Carbon Capture and Storage) or used as a feedstock in the chemical industry, for example in polymer production (CCU, Carbon Capture and Utilization).

The LRF focuses primarily on optimizing absorption in so-called air contactors. Since the CO₂ concentration in the air is low—at around 420 ppm—this field presents a significant need for research and development.

Key Elements of the Project

• Development of an absorber model to describe separation processes in the air contactor
• Experimental investigation of different packing types and geometries to optimize contact between air and the absorbent
• Assessment of environmental influences and disturbances on the absorption process
• Development of new value chains for CCU using polymers

Project Description

This project, part of the VIVET innovation community, aims to establish an integrated approach for the development of energy- and resource-efficient chemical syntheses. The goal is to provide methodologies and technologies for evidence-based, model-driven chemical process development. These methodologies will be tested using two model systems – the synthesis of benzimidazoles and naphthohydroquinones – to enable environmentally friendly production routes. Comprehensive knowledge of the underlying physicochemical processes and their reliable representation through mathematical models is crucial for the efficient and sustainable operation of these syntheses. To support this, a differential recycle reactor has been developed at LRF, which enables kinetic studies under well-defined thermal, chemical, and fluid dynamic conditions.

Project Partners

The EnaChem project is carried out in close collaboration with the University of Applied Sciences Mannheim (TH Mannheim). While LRF investigates the reduction pathways of the syntheses, TH Mannheim focuses on the corresponding oxidation.

The industrial partners within the VIVET innovation community are diverse and span various sectors. In addition to partners from the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, such as BASF, Merck, and Roche, companies from the field of measurement and control technology – including IPS and HiTec Zang – are also part of the community. Other organizations and associations, such as the IHK Rhein-Neckar and the Smart Industries network, complete the consortium.

Key Elements of the Project

• Design and construction of a universally applicable screening apparatus for hydrogenation reactions
• Systematic screening of catalysts and solvents
• Development and calibration of a quantitative analytical method
• Execution of kinetic studies in a differential recycle reactor
• Investigation of various hydrogenation syntheses
• Development of a kinetic model
• Model-based scale-up of the reaction
• Knowledge transfer and communication with the industrial partners involved