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Applied Catalysis and Spectroscopy

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Research

We have a strong background in chemistry, catalysis, spectroscopy and analytics, which we use to elucidate reaction networks and mechanisms with the aim to develop novel catalysts. With this competence we have broadened in recent years our activities from exhaust gas catalysis towards catalyst development for energy conversion processes in general to support the research activities of the Bioenergy and Catalysis Laboratory (LBK), of the Energy and Environment Research Division (ENE) and of other groups within and outside PSI.

Catalysts and processes

The Applied Catalysis and Spectroscopy group, formerly Catalysis for Energy Group, has been one of the first research groups worldwide to explore the urea-SCR process for NOx reduction in mobile Diesel engines. We are conducting research and development projects on different aspects of this fascinating technology, ranging from basic research up to applications at real Diesel engines and stationary power plants:

  • SCR catalyst research and development: V2O5/WO3-TiO2, iron- and copper-exchanged zeolites, rare earth metal oxides
  • SCR chemistry: Standard-SCR reaction, Fast-SCR reaction, NO2-SCR reaction
  • Hydrolysis catalysts for urea and alternative liquid NH3 precursor compounds
  • Catalytic and non-catalytic urea decomposition
  • Alternative liquid NH3 precursor compounds
  • Development of NH3 generators for mobile applications
  • V-emissions of V-based catalysts
  • NH3 oxidation, N2O formation, NH4NO3 formation and decomposition, SO2 oxidation and HC oxidation

We carry out research on other exhaust gas cleaning technologies as well:

  • Oxidation catalysts
  • Three-way catalysts
  • Methane oxidation (stoichiometric and lean)

and are interested in topics such as

  • Catalysis by perovskite-type oxides
  • Liquid-phase heterogeneous catalysts
  • Soot oxidation
  • SOx storage

In situ and operando characterization

We develop spectroscopy and diffraction capabilities (cells, modulation experiments, time-resolved experiments, etc.) for operando analysis of catalysts and functional materials in gas and liquid environments. We use IR, Raman and UV-vis spectroscopies as well as synchrotron based methods such as X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption and emission spectroscopies to obtain complementary information on the catalyst structure and the adsorbates under reaction conditions. We cooperate tightly with the Operando Spectroscopy Group, which operates the SuperXAS beamline at SLS. We are proud to announce that we are organizing the 7th International Congress on Operando Spectroscopy - Operando VII.

Partners support

In the last years we have cooperated with more than 40 companies worldwide in the field of exhaust gas catalysis: ABB, Abgaszentrum der Deutschen Automobilindustrie (ADA), Alantum, Alstom, Alzchem, AVL, BASF, SKW Piesteritz, Agrolinz Melamine International, Caterpillar, ClearEdge, Cristal Global, Daimler, Ecocat, Emitec, erphi electronic, Ceram, Grundfos, Hilite, IMI Vision, Interkat, IVECO, Kemira, Liebherr, MAN, Wacker, Fuchs Lubricants, Ciba Speciality Chemicals, Yara, MEL Chemicals, MTU, Rhodia, S&B Industrial Minerals, Süd-Chemie, Swenox, Tenneco, Umicore, Volkswagen, Zeochem, Treibacher Industrie, Hug Engineering and FPT.

You are welcome to contact us and to discuss your problem with us!

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Contact

Paul Scherrer Institut
Dr. Davide Ferri
OLGA/411
5232 Villigen PSI
Switzerland

Telephone: +41 56 310 27 81
E-mail: davide.ferri@psi.ch

Secretariat
Gisela Herlein
OVGA/109
5232 Villigen PSI
Switzerland

Telephone: +41 56 310 2663
E-mail: gisela.herlein@psi.ch

Group of Catalysis for Biofuels GCB

Oliver Kröcher's research group at EPFL (ETH Lausanne) targets the production of liquid biofuels by thermochemical and catalytic routes.


Homepage LBK

Bioenergy and Catalysis Laboratory (LBK)

Homepage ENE

Energy and Environment Research Division at PSI

PSI Scientific Reports

Archive 2006-2012. The Scientific Reports – containing accounts of research topics from all the different areas – provide an impression of the variety of subjects researched at PSI.


ENE Open positions

current opening at Research Division Energy and Environment

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