Cluster: Integrale Konzepte der Katalyse II (D1/E1, D2/E2)

D1: Chemical activation of methane
The chemical activation of methane is done within the framework of oxidative coupling of methane (OCM). We persue a multi-scale approach that combines con?cepts and methodologies of chemical syn?thesis, physical chemistry and surface sci?ence with chemical engineering.
Our first research package is devoted to the experimental and theoretical analysis of ho?mogeneous (gas phase) processes, extended over all relevant dimensions of transport, to achieve a comprehensive kinetic description based upon observables or theoretically verified input data.
The existing family of reaction models will be validated and combined with our second research package, dedicated to identi?fying the relevant surface reactions, determine the concomitantly released heat, and identify the species that are dissociated from the surface to activate the gas phase reaction.
D2: Dry reforming of methane (DRM)
Due to the low selectivity of methane activation, oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) is associated with a considerable pro?duction of CO2 which in turn requires costly separation procedures in industrial applications.
Thus, concomitant to the improvement of the OCM process, the studies in this research band aim at conversion routes of CO2 that may be combined with the OCM process, i.e., the dry reform?ing of methane (DRM):
CH4 + CO2 → 2 CO + 2 H2 (D2-1).
Here we follow the same multi-scale strategy as outlined for OCM. Cata?lytic model systems on ideal surfaces are systematically explored in terms of the adsorption behavior of reactants and putative intermediates and products. In a model approach the acti?vation of CO2 with basic and redox species will be studied over binary and ternary manganese oxo gas phase clusters and thin chromium oxide films with well-controlled defect chemistry.