TransHyDE: BMBF funding for a total of ten sub-project
In AmmoRef., the two scientists from the CAU research focus KiNSIS (Kiel Nano, Surface and Interface Science) are working together with colleagues from Berlin, Essen, Karlsruhe and Mülheim/Ruhr, among others. Together, they are researching how hydrogen can be released from ammonia after transport. Their newly developed catalyser could significantly accelerate the recovery of hydrogen.
AmmoRef is one of ten TransHyDE projects funded by the BMBF. Scientists from a total of eight institutions want to improve hydrogen transport technologies. The results will be incorporated into recommendations for action for the national hydrogen infrastructure.
What characterises the new catalyst?
„A catalyst has the task of accelerating a chemical reaction and is therefore directly responsible for the efficiency of material and energy conversions“, explains Behrens. The faster the ammonia reforming process can take place, the lower the conversion losses caused by the chemical storage of hydrogen in ammonia.
„Our catalyst has two special features“, emphasises Chen. „Firstly, it consists of the relatively inexpensive base metals iron and cobalt. Secondly, we have developed a special production method that allows a very high metal loading of the catalyst.“
Up to 74 % of the material consists of active metal particles. These alternate with carrier particles, creating cavities in between in the nanoscale range - like a porous, metallic nano-sponge.
„The combination of the two metals in a common alloy is also crucial“, adds working group leader Behrens. Individually, both metals are less catalytically active. The combination creates highly active, bi-metallic surfaces with properties that are otherwise only known from much more expensive precious metals.
„In the AmmoRef consortium, in which industrial companies are also involved, we want to investigate this catalyser further and transfer it from basic research to application“, says Behrens, describing the next steps. Next, the Kiel team is working on producing the catalyst in larger quantities.
(Quelle: Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel)