TOPCOMBI
Eco-efficient catalysts for industrial applications with a promising future
The ambitious goal of the project TOPCOMBI (funded with 11,5 million € as an integrated project within the 6th EU framework program) is the development of sustainable catalytic process steps for chemical industry. The new synthesis routes comprise as well the direct conversion of light alkanes into transportable raw materials as the substitution of toxic phosgene in the isocyanate production process and the transformation of renewable raw material into industrially utilizable starting material. All synthesis routes have the common goal of a more efficient use of resources or energy by avoiding toxic intermediate products, by reducing the number of reaction steps and by making new base materials accessible.
The energy technology and catalysis department of IMM is contributing to the TOPCOMBI project with its expertise in the development and realization of microstructured reactors and in coating technologies. Among IMM's tasks is the development of a screening reactor allowing to test catalysts applied to structured reaction plates. The reversible sealing of the plates under reaction conditions (800°C and 20 bar) was already successfully tested. With respect to the subsequent production use of the catalysts coating technologies are additionally developed being suited for automation and for a reproducible fabrication of catalyst layers on a structured surface. Further activities focus on the integration of separation membranes with microstructured reactors and the development of heat exchangers for a fast cooling of reaction products at the exit of the reactor. One heat exchanger for such a screening reactor is already in use at the Institute of Researches on Catalysis and Environment, Lyon.
Contact: Dr. Gunther Kolb, Head of Energy Technology and Catalysis Department,
Phone: +49 6131/990 341
