One key to curbing global warming lies in the reduction of CO2 emissions by means of carbon capture storage (CCS) or carbon capture utilisation (CCU). In these processes, CO2 is either stored long-term or processed into synthetic energy sources and chemicals via a «Power-to-X» value chain without using fossil fuels such as gas, oil or coal.
The establishment of «Power-to-X» processes is a global focus, in which liquid energy sources such as methanol, paraffin, petrol and diesel are produced from renewable H2 and recycled CO2. This is because a pure H2 infrastructure poses significant challenges for aviation or heavy maritime transport and is often not a sensible option for the defossilisation and transformation of industries.
Our research team has extensive expertise in the synthesis and development of high-performance and high-efficiency catalytic systems and catalysts. We also take on the challenge of developing such systems according to industrial customer requirements. The integration and catalytic conversion of CO2 within the value chain is an important basic function in thermal-catalytic processes for converting CO2 into long-chain fuels and energy sources. Using state-of-the-art infrastructure at the OST, knowledge of the structure and activity of the catalysts is determined in order to gain an understanding of the optimal design of catalytic processes.
Our portfolio also includes concept studies on synthetic aviation fuels in Switzerland and process developments for low-temperature CO2 conversion to solid carbon for final storage.
True to our motto: «Our Vision – Zero Emission»
Prof. Dr. Andre Heel
Fachbereichsleiter Advanced Materials & Processes