The Institute of Technical Chemistry is organized into the following research groups:
AG Klemm, AG Estes, AG Traa, and AG Dyballa.
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A detailed overview of the working groups
WG Klemm
The focus of the work group of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Klemm lies in the development and optimization of chemical processes and heterogeneous catalysts. Besides more traditional thermo-catalytic processes (e.g. selective oxidation of CO using redox active oxides) and microreaction technology, the main focus is the development of sustainable processes for the chemical production as well as the usability of abundant molecules (e.g. H2O, N2, O2), greenhouse gases (e.g. CO2) or sustainable feedstocks (e.g. biogas).
As part of the Stuttgart-based research partnership CHEMampere, we are pursuing these goals with the help of the following three electricity-driven process technologies: electrocatalysis, thermocatalysis using resistively heated substrates, and plasmacatalysis.
WG Estes
In the Estes research group, the surfaces of metal oxides are modified in a targeted manner using methods from MHC and surface organometallic chemistry. In combination with homogeneous model complexes, this enables the investigation of structure-activity relationships in heterogeneous catalysis. We use these methods in particular to investigate the causes of strong metal support interactions (SMSIs), hydrogen spillover, CO2 reduction and hydrogenation, oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and surface effects in molecular heterogeneous catalysis (adsorption and confinement effects).
WG Traa
The focus of Apl. Prof. Traa's research group is on the development of materials for heterogeneous catalysis and adsorption. Zeolitic materials are mainly used, but also nanostructured, mesoporous, and specially functionalized materials as well as aluminum oxides. The main focus is on structure-activity/selectivity relationships. The main research areas encompass heterogeneous catalysis, catalyst development, and material design.
AG Dyballa
PD Dyballa's research group focuses on the synthesis of functional and, in many cases, porous solid materials and their characterization. In particular, the group investigates surface species that provide insights into the reactivity and properties of solids. The main tool used by the research group is advanced solid-state NMR spectroscopy. By combining this with infrared spectroscopy, diffraction, thermogravimetry, sorption, and catalytic application, a detailed picture of the functionalities of the solid is obtained. The group's goals are to develop new characterization methods for solids, gain a deeper understanding of adsorbed surface species, and improve catalytic properties, especially for the conversion of alcohols on zeolites.
News at the ITC
New EU Project on Direct Air Capture of Carbon Dioxide (DAC)
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Elias Klemm and apl. Prof. Dr. Yvonne Traa of the Institute of Technical Chemistry are the principal investigators of the University of Stuttgart in the project with their experience in adsorption kinetics and the tailoring of zeolitic materials. They will develop together with SINTEF the hydrophobic sorbents, which should have a higher water tolerance with stable DAC performance so that the thermal regeneration of the zeolite can be avoided in a pre-bed configuration for dehumidification. Core/shell structures with a hydrophilic core and a hydrophobic shell will be made, e.g., with mild dealumination procedures. In addition, the University of Stuttgart will in a joint activity with Johnson Matthey coat these sorbents onto electrically heatable coupons for testing. These results are later transferable to monoliths for the pilotscale testing.
Sustainable CHEMical Production with Electricity
Universität Stuttgart beteiligt sich an eForFuel
Die Universität Stuttgart beteiligt sich an eForFuel, einer spannenden EU-finanzierten Forschung und Innovationsinitiative, die einen nachhaltigen Ersatz fossiler Brennstoffe durch Nutzung von Elektrizität und Mikroorganismen zur Umwandlung von CO2 in erneuerbare Kraftstoffe sucht.
Das ITC im SFB 1333
Seit Juli 2022 läuft die zweite Förderperiode des SFB 1333 „Molekulare, heterogene Katalyse in definierten, dirigierenden Geometrien“ an der Universität Stuttgart. Am SFB 1333 sind die Estesgruppe sowie die Klemmgruppe am ITC mit drei verschiedenen Unterprojekten beteiligt. Im Rahmen dieser Projekte wird untersucht, wie sich poröse Trägermaterialien mit definierten, dirigierenden Geometrien auf die Aktivität und Selektivität der elektrokatalytischen und thermischen CO2-Reduktion auswirken und wie diese Materialien die Präkatalysator-Assoziation beeinflussen
Contact
Elias Klemm
Prof. Dr.-Ing.Director, Group Leader
Deven Estes
Prof.Dr.Director, Group Leader
Claudia Oppong Peprah
Executive Assisstant