Abstract:
The Albert working group has set itself the goal of bringing about lasting change in the chemical industry. The aim is to replace fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas with more environmentally friendly alternatives. An important focus is on the responsible use of biomass, i.e., plant materials such as wood, lignocellulose, and algae. These raw materials contain valuable ingredients that can be used for the chemical industry and fuel production. One strategy is the conversion of sugars into platform chemicals like formic acid or lactic acid. The extraction of aromatic compounds from lignin illustrates the potential of biomass to replace fossil fuels in a sustainable manner. The sustainable use of biological resources makes a significant contribution to the protection of natural habitats and the preservation of biodiversity.
In addition, our research is focused on developing novel catalysts that make chemical reactions faster and more efficient. Especially in times of fluctuating renewable energies, it is very important to have flexible and robust catalysts that perform reliably under fluctuating reaction conditions (temperature, pressure, substrates, solvents). With the help of miniplants, small fully-integrated laboratory plants, new processes are scaled-up, tested, and prepared for industrial application. The aim is to develop sustainable and energy-efficient processes, which incorporate the 12 principles of green chemistry providing meaningful support to the regional economy through small, decentralized units.
The BioValCat (Enhanced Biomass Valorisation by Engineering of Polyoxometalate Catalysts) project aims for developing a potentially disruptive technology towards an industrial viable biomass valorisation process by laying the foundations for a scalable, safe and economic process for the oxidation of biomass to valuable carboxylic acid (esters).
