Separation Science

Research activities

The integration von separations in microstructured devices by using advantages inherent in microstructures like short diffusion paths is aim of the research group: Replacing energy consuming thermal separation by integrated structure-driven separation. The projects range from selective separation of gases by ion selective ceramic membranes, modelling of the gas transport through multilayer membranes and the design of membrane modules. Another main focus is the separation of gas/liquid two phase mixtures using membranes or metallic microsieves. Also the integration of catalytic reactions in membrane modules to combine reaction and separation of product gases or dosing reaction partners in contactors are under research.

  • Improved efficiency by integration of innovative separation devices in in modular, continuous processes
  • Use of surface properties, multiphases and structured membranes for improved mass transfer
  • Detailed understanding of influences of interactions of surfaces and
  • Fundamental understanding of multiphase fluid flow and transport processes in microstructures

Projects:

  • Separation of two phase flows (gas a/o liquid) using membranes or microsieves with adequate surface properties (coating made by plasma sputtering or plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition PE-CVD). Example is the removal of CO2 from the fuel gas mixture methanol/water at the anode of a micro Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (µDMFC) to enhance the performance and usage of fuel.
  • Gas separation (ethane/ethane) with highly oriented SURMOF membranes synthesised by the liquid phase epitaxial (LPE) layer-by-layer (LBL) technique (collaboration with IFG), evaluation of the resulting experimental data by simulations based on the Maxwell-Stefan model
  • Design of membrane modules: Integration of ceramic or metallic membranes on metallic porous support in microstructured modules; targeting membrane reactors combining catalytic reactions with integrated separation
  • DB-SOFC : Direct Conversion of Biomass to Electricity in MED area via an Internal Catalytic Gasification Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
  • Modelling of the gas transport during gas phase separation of H2, N2 und CO2 in ceramic multilayer membranes: Simulation of the permeation in oxygen conducting membranes: Coupling of the simulation of fluid dynamics by CFD and models for diffusion through the multi layers.

Finished: