We are a research group established in 2021 at TU Wien working on the intersection of the fields of catalysis and chemical engineering. Our research focuses on the development of novel catalytic materials and reactors for the sustainable production of chemicals. Our main objective is to generate new strategies in thermal catalysis, encompassing the catalyst nanostructure, the reaction conditions and reactor design, to overcome the current limitations of implementation of sustainable processes.

In a circular economy, reactors and catalysts must be capable to adapt to changing feedstock and reaction conditions while keeping optimal activity and selectivity to key products. We investigate the properties and performance of multifunctional catalysts based on the combination of metal oxides, acid zeolites and metal ions hosted in zeolites.

Activity and selectivity of the materials in relationship with the relevant steps of catalytic mechanisms are evaluated by catalytic tests at lab-scale reactors and temperature-programmed surface reactions. In situ and operando spectroscopies allow monitoring the dynamics of active surfaces and their response to changing chemical potentials.

News

[Translate to English:] Maricruz at the panel discussion

+++ 30.04.2025: Maricruz participated in the panel discussion “Advancing CO2 Utilization: Catalysis, Hydrogen, and the Path to Sustainable Energy” at KAUST +++

Maricruz and five other experts from academia and industry discussed the current and future challenges of sustainable chemical production. A stimulating debate on the research needs and the timeline expected to implement alternative, greener processes in our production of fuels and chemicals.

[Translate to English:] Maricruz giving a talk

+++ 30.04.2025: Maricruz and Christian attended the conference “Catalyzing the Energy and Chemical Transition towards Circularity” organized by KAUST +++

Glad to have been invited to the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) for the conference end of April! Professors Javier Ruiz Martinez and Pedro Castano from KAUST gathered a selected group of researchers from all around the globe for discussions on the future role of catalysts in sustainable chemical processes. 

[Translate to English:] Christian in front of the poster

Topics ranged from reactor engineering, use of alternative feedstocks, and design of novel catalysts to transform CO2 into useful chemicals. As invited speaker, Maricruz talked about our work on magnetic nanoparticle catalysts inductively heated. Christian presented a poster about our latest results on CO2 activation over Cu-CeO2  catalysts. All in all, a great conference and exciting research. 

[Translate to English:] all at the pub quiz

+++ 11.03.2025: Joint Pub quiz with the ClusCat lab +++

 

Shortly before Noelia left for her stay in Japan, we took the opportunity to do another pub quiz. Our group got every question right! Stay tuned for our next pub quiz successes ;)

Thanks to the ClusCat Lab for the great time, see you in summer, Noelia, and have a great time in Japan!