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Heterogeneous Catalysis in our research group

Heterogeneous catalysis is an important field of study that deals with the use of solid catalysts to enhance the rate and efficiency of (electro-)chemical reactions. One of the main applications of heterogeneous catalysts in the energy sector is the electrochemical water splitting, which is an important step in the production of hydrogen, a clean and renewable fuel source.

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Lupe
Lab-scale performance screening (left: Fixed-bed reactor - right: Electrochemical cell)
Lab-scale performance screening (left: Fixed-bed reactor - right: Electrochemical cell)
© Mathias Smialkowski


Another application is the conversion of carbon dioxide into useful chemicals, such as fuels and syngas, which helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Our group is also focused on the electrochemical hydrogenation of organic molecules for production of commodity chemicals.

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Lupe
High-temperature synthesis - Mechanochemistry
Precipitation methods - Comprehensive characterization and analysis
High-temperature synthesis - Mechanochemistry
Precipitation methods - Comprehensive characterization and analysis
© Mathias Smialkowski


Our research group is dedicated to the development of the synthesis of heterogeneous catalysts for various applications.
We have longstanding and extensive experience in the synthesis of transition metal sulfides, oxides and other classes. Additionally, zeolite-based oxide catalysts are also part of research to thermally convert syngas into valuable commodity chemicals. We utilize various methods, including wet-chemical precipitation, high-temperature syntheses and mechanochemistry, to produce these catalyst systems and composites.

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Lupe
Solid catalyst materials
Solid catalyst materials
© Mathias Smialkowski


Our group's expertise in the synthesis and testing of heterogeneous catalysts has enabled us to make significant contributions to the field. We are very proud of our interdisciplinary combination of chemistry and engineering sciences, which allows us to bridge the gap between basic research and application. By exploring new synthesis methods and improving the efficiency of catalysts, we aim to help pave the way for a more sustainable future.

Related publications

Patent:

  • U.-P. Apfel, M. Smialkowski, L. Hensgen, 2020, WO2020/169806A1.

Publications:

  • Pellumbi, K.; Smialkowski, M.; Siegmund, D.; Apfel, U.-P.
    Enhancing the CO2 Electroreduction of Fe/Ni-Pentlandite Catalysts by S/Se Exchange.
    Chemistry - a European journal 2020, 26 (44), 9938–9944. https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.202001289
  • Kull, T.; Wiesmann, T.; Wilmsen, A.; Purcel, M.; Muhler, M.; Lohmann, H.; Zeidler-Fandrich, B.; Apfel, U.-P.;
    Influence of the ZnCrAl Oxide Composition on the Formation of Hydrocarbons from Syngas.
    ACS Omega, 2022, 7, 42994–43005. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.2c05225
  • Smialkowski, M.; Siegmund, D.; Stier, K.; Hensgen, L.; Checinski, M. P.; Apfel, U.-P.;
    Trimetallic Pentlandites (Fe,Co,Ni)9S8 for the Electrocatalytical HER in Acidic Media.
    ACS Mater. Au, https://doi.org/10.1021/acsmaterialsau.2c00016
  • Pellumbi, K.; Smialkowski, M.; Siegmund, D.; junge Puring, K.; Apfel, U.-P.;
    Cu-Bx (X: N, CN, P) Composites for CO2 Electroreduction: Materials Vs. Gas Diffusion Electrode Characteristics.
    Meet. Abstr., 2022, MA2022-02, 2378. https://doi.org/10.1149/MA2022-02642378mtgabs
  • Hegazy, M. B. Z.; Harrath, K.; Tetzlaff, D.; Smialkowski, M.; Siegmund, D.; Li, J.; Cao, R.; Apfel, U.-P.;
    Boosting the overall electrochemical water splitting performance of pentlandites through non-metallic heteroatom incorporation.
    iScience, 2022, 25, 105148. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2022.105148