Low Energy Routes to Bulk Chemicals

Within this TA, the research shall focus on large-scale conversion of hydrocarbons (e.g. methane) into functionalised compounds. The focus is partly on the selective activation of the hydrocarbon compound with specific reagents and partly on improving the selectivity and activity of oxidation and amination methods. New classes of catalysts in existing oxidation and amination methods provide possibilities for this as equally the smart use of other combinations of starting materials.

The TA is structured around three themes:

• Selective oxidation; 
• Activation of nitrogen; 
• Activation of alkanes / (steam) cracking.

The themes represent three families of chemical processes, which consume 70% of the energy used in the Dutch chemical industries. The largest part of the energy used in these processes, does not end up in the final products, but leaves the reactor either as heat or (unwanted) by-products. Although part of the heat and/or the by-products is utilized, there is a severe lack of efficiency.

Clever combinations of feedstock and catalysts should allow for more efficient processes, in which the number of steps is decreased and by-products and energy-consuming separation steps are avoided. This TA aims at the improvement of the processes and the (catalytic) conversion itself rather than the improvement of the process environment.