Development of X-ray techniques and new Ga-zeotypes for production of green aromatics

Finding new routes for chemical valorisation of biological feedstocks is an essential part for developing a biobased economy.

We will develop synchrotron X-ray based methods at PETRA III to i) study the synthesis of novel Ga-zeotype materials in situ, ii) characterise the electronic and geometric structure of Ga-zeotypes in detail and iii) characterise these highly active Ga-zeotypes in operando mode when used as catalysts for the conversion of biofurans into green benzene, toluene and xylenes (BTX).

In specific we will:create an open experimental infrastructure for in situ investigations of hydrothermal catalyst synthesis at PETRA IIIdevelop XES/HERFD-XANES methods at P64/PETRA III for structural and operando analysis of Ga-zeotypesrealise a sample environment both for highest quality XES/HERFD-XANES structure determination and application in operando investigationsunderstand zeotype formation mechanisms by mapping zeotype synthesis key parametersunderstand Ga-zeotype structural dynamics by operando HE-XRDunravel the role of Ga for the catalytic conversion of furans to BTXThe project covers the full range of zeotype synthesis, characterisation and mechanistic understanding to be investigated by X-ray spectroscopy.

Our team involves experimental chemists, theoretical physicists and synchrotron experts to drive method development, the scientific case and educate PhD candidates and postdocs, who will spend a significant part of their time at the collaborator.