Projects from the innovation field sustainable catalytic processes

Conversion of CO₂ from South African coal-fired power plants into multiple commodity streams using green ammonia and hydrogen

South Africa's coal-fired power plants not only emit large quantities of CO₂, but also harmful nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), sulfur oxides (SOₓ) and particulate matter. To ensure that coal can be used in the most environmentally friendly way possible until the complete transition to renewable energies, the CoalCO₂-X™ program aims to harness the components of the flue gas for the circular production of products such as diesel and fertilizers. Green ammonia, the synthesis of which is being demonstrated by Fraunhofer IGB in Straubing, plays a key role here.

CO₂-based electrosynthesis of ethylene oxide

The goal of the project CO₂EXIDE is the establishment of an electrochemical, energy efficient and near-to CO₂-neutral process for the production of the bulk chemical ethylene from CO₂, water and renewable energy. One of the central steps is the development of a new type of electrolyser that enables a simultaneous reaction on both anode and cathode, which is more efficient in terms of energy and resources.

Electrobiocatalytic cascade for bulk reduction of CO₂ to CO coupled to fermentative production of high value diamine monomers

ECOMO unites bioelectrocatalysis, biohybrid materials sciences, organic synthesis, technical microbiology, and process engineering for CO gas fermentation to acetate and a subsequent fermentative production of diamines.

Electrochemical synthesis of hydrogen peroxide from water, air and renewable electric energy

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is an environmentally friendly oxidant widely used in the chemical industry. However, the classic production method is expensive and not suitable for decentralized application on a small scale. For this reason, researchers at Fraunhofer IGB have been working on an alternative electrochemical process in the CO₂EXIDE project. This is now being further developed and demonstrated in the EU-funded follow-up project POWER₂HYPE together with partners from industry and research.