Institute of Catalysis Research and Technology (IKFT)

With its work, the IKFT (former ITC-CPV) makes a substantial contribution to the HGF "Renewable Energy" and "Rational Energy Conversion and Use" programs of the ENERGY research field. The main objective of our R&D work is to make future-oriented contributions to the efficient use of fossil and renewable carbon resources.

Our research topics include:

• Generation of hydrogen and synthesis gas from biomass for chemical use and energy production and
• Sustainable synthetic chemistry and catalyses

Through multi-disciplinary linking of science and engineering competence, the IKFT has developed and demonstrated innovative and integrated solutions for these processes. They are aimed at meeting the requirements of modern process technologies in terms of sustainable development. The research and development work at the IKFT aims both at using renewable raw materials and reducing the use of resources by saving raw materials and energy and reducing, if possible, avoiding toxic intermediates and waste materials in chemical processes. The ultimate aim is to avoid end-of-pipe technologies through more efficient synthetic methods and integrated process operations. Other main research projects of the IKFT focus on the use of environmentally-friendly alternative reaction media and polymer additives and on the sustainable development of catalyzed reactions in compliance with "Green Chemistry".