Consortium
Partners
LTU has a long history and expertise in biomass conversion to fuels and energy from lab- to pilot-scales, where intensive research has been conducted on IL-based technologies, including electrochemical methods, from fundamental theoretical modelling and lab-testing to process simulation, evaluation, and assessment. CH2ESS was launched at LTU in 2021. In EPOCH, LTU will perform modeling to identify promising ILs as well as process and impact analysis (including LCA), and function as a bridge between EPOCH and CH2ESS.
TUM is a global leader in catalyst development for the conversion of biomass into biofuels. The team has been exploring fundamental aspects of important catalytic reactions, which combine in-situ characterization of catalysts and catalytic processes with advanced kinetic analysis and the design and synthesis of catalysts with multiple functions. Over the past decade, TUM has developed electrocatalytic reactions for the conversion of biobased chemicals. Within EPOCH, TUM will focus on (high pressure) electrocatalytic reduction (loading) of LOHCs in close collaboration with Aalto. This will include the kinetic evaluation of cathode reactions, especially under high pressure and biphasic conditions, and the characterization of critical properties of catalysts under operating conditions.
NEXTCHEM, a MAIRE group company, provides Sustainable Technology Solutions to make energy transition happen. Thanks to the extensive know-how of fertilizers, hydrogen, carbon capture, fuels, chemicals and polymers, NEXTCHEM creates innovative and sustainable processes from non-fossil feedstock.
Aalto presently coordinates the EU Horizon 2020 EHLCATHOL aiming at catalytic solvolysis of enzymatic hydrolysis lignin to fuel molecules and upgrading the product to high-quality commodity fuels, such as jet fuel and gasoline blends. The team has been leading in biomass chemical refining and electrochemical reactor designs, such as non-aqueous redox flow battery, (photo)electrochemical water splitting, and anode total oxidation reactors. Aalto is committed to the EPOCH device integration & validation at TRL 4 as well as bioLOHC and anode development. Their recently developed reduced TiO2 nanotube arrays with remarkable activity will be used as the basis to develop cathodes for achieving high selectivity of LOHC.
TU Delft has strong expertise in heterogeneous catalysis, reaction engineering, and operando spectroscopy. Over the past decade, Delft has researched PEM electrolyzer systems and electrocatalyst development for hydrogen production as well as for direct hydrogenation of various molecules at the cathode. Delft has successfully employed operando X-ray absorption and Raman spectroscopies to understand catalyst structures in PEM electrolyzers. Such expertise and experiences will be brought to EPOCH.
Hydrogenious is a world SME leader in LOHC business area. It will be involved in the analysis of the logistic aspects of LOHC as well as in the definition and study of LOHC. Its work will be centered on: 1) the impact analysis for electrochemical and biogenic LOHCs loaded by electrochemistry; 2) analysis of electrochemical cycling of loading, de-loading, chemical analysis of potential LOHCs and impurities in these cycles; 3) provision of target LOHCs in the quantities needed.
Unime is a well-recognized developer of catalysts and electrocatalytic solutions, involved (also coordinating) various projects in the area (DECADE, OCEAN, TERRA) and in various EU projects dealing with the electrocatalytic conversion of biobased chemicals or other electrocatalytic reactions (TERRA, PERFORM, etc.). The activities in EPOCH will focus on the development of anodes and anodic reactions to convert biobased molecules deriving from lignin. The activities will combine materials and electrodes development, electrode and cell engineering, advanced characterization of the electrocatalysts and their testing and ranking.