Single-stage plasma-catalytic synthesis of C1–C4 hydrocarbons from CO₂ using enamel as an innovative electrode material in combination with a selective catalyst
HTWK sub-project: Development of a monitoring system for quality assurance in the production process of enamelled catalyst composites for NTPK
Project duration: 01/2025 – 12/2027
The PKat4Chem project utilises non-thermal plasma catalysis (NTPK) to convert CO₂ and CH₄ at ambient temperature using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD plasma). The project thus forms an important building block in the context of ‘Carbon Capture and Utilisation’. To this end, a test rig will be constructed, validated and operated in order to achieve TRL-6 for NTPK. The electrodes and catalysts required for NTPK are being developed as part of the project and tested for their suitability in NTPK using specially adapted characterisation techniques. Based on performance measurements, as well as plasma and flow simulations, the catalyst-containing composite electrodes are continuously refined. Biogas serves as the feedstock for synthesising methanol in a single-stage synthesis. The suitability of biogas is being tested in the laboratory and in a field trial at a biogas plant (BGA). Particular attention is paid to process stability, which is monitored through continuous characterisation of the electrodes. Based on the experimental data, a specification document is being developed and the suitability of the innovative technology for use at biogas plants is being determined by means of a techno-economic analysis. PKat4Chem thus enables an increase in the TRL of the NTPK and gradual commercialisation, which will contribute to achieving the ‘net-zero’ target.
The aim of the EEL working group’s sub-project is to develop and implement a novel plant concept that ensures the monitoring and quality assurance of the plasma electrodes used, as well as the plasma-relevant performance parameters set in the production process of enamel-catalyst composites. The test system to be developed must be capable of reliably and reproducibly measuring electrodes with differently scalable designs and variable geometries, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Furthermore, the system must be capable of evaluating the measurement results according to defined criteria in order to ensure a precise assessment of electrode quality. This includes flexible adaptation to different electrode configurations and consistent measurement accuracy across all geometries.
Cooperation/project partners
- University of Leipzig
- Ruhr University Bochum
- Freiberg University of Technology and Mining Academy
- Fraunhofer Society for the Promotion of Applied Research (registered association)
- EDL Anlagenbau Gesellschaft mbH
- ARCANUM Energy Systems GmbH & Co. KG
- Lausitz Energie Bergbau AG
- Multi Industrieanlagen GmbH
- enaDyne GmbH
Contact
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Gerold Bausch
Chair of Embedded Systems and Signal Processing
Telephone: +49 (0)341 3076 3103
Email: gerold.bausch(at)htwk-leipzig.de
Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Daniel Käßler
Research Assistant
Telephone: +49 (0)341 3076 1278
Email: daniel(dot)kaessler(at)htwk-leipzig.de
