Institute of Technical Chemistry

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.

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). 

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.

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.