RSA CE&C 2015-2021 Group descriptions

Chemical and Process Technology (CPT) 35 on a temporary basis. Professor Rebrov joined in 2019, whereas Associate Professor Noël left to take a full professor appointment at UvA in 2020. This meant a rather turbulent start to the SPE group, in spite of which the group has grown quite a lot in terms of PhD-PD research in a short time. The evaluation also focuses on prior research by the involved researchers that has led to the current research profile. Mission We will develop new processes based on improved mass and heat transfer rates for the more efficient, environmentally friendly, circular and distributed production of chemicals using sustainable sources of raw materials and energy. Research themes The following research themes are often combined in research projects, e.g., flow chemistry with electrochemical conversion in a structured wire-mesh or foam reactor, photochemical oxidation in a spinning disc reactor, induction heating of ferromagnetic electrocatalysts or polyhydroxybutyrate separation with a spinning disc membrane. The combination of the various expertise in the SPE group allows for the development of scientific knowledge at the intersection of process engineering fields and novel sustainable processes. The research themes are: 1. Inorganic membranes In this research line, we work on the development, characterization and testing of inorganic membranes. The first types of membranes are Pd-based membranes for hydrogen separation. The second type of inorganic membranes are related to the development of stable oxygen selective membranes that can be used to separate oxygen from air at high temperatures. These membranes are very interesting for partial oxidation reactions in which oxygen is needed and is often produced by external air separation units (very costly and energy intensive). The third type of membranes are carbon molecular sieve (CMS) membranes: inorganic membranes considered as potential candidates for gas separation because of their high mechanical strength and good thermal stability. CMS are produced through the carbonization of a suitable thermosetting polymeric precursor under an inert atmosphere or vacuum. Control over the molecular dimensions of the micro-pores and the subsequent molecular sieving properties can be tuned by optimizing the precursor material, preparation procedure, pre-treatment of the precursor, carbonization temperature history and post- treatment of the carbonized membranes. 2. Supported liquid membranes This research line entails the development of liquid-supported membranes by impregnating novel solvents (such as deep eutectic solvents) into porous inorganic/organic supports. This combination allows an increase to the selectivity of the membranes while reducing the energy required for the regeneration of the solvent. Typical examples of the application of such membranes include the recovery of CO 2 from flue gases or the recovery of products from sugars conversion (such as HMF, furfural, etc.). 3. Plasma processes In recent years, great attention has been attracted by plasma technology in process intensification and energy saving. The group works on plasma processes as an efficient and greener way to electrify the chemical industry. We work on plasma-based nitrogen fixation processes, plasma reactors for CO 2 and CH 4 activation, micro-plasma processes for nanomaterial production and the integration of plasma and membrane reactors.