Research

Magnetically induced fluidized-bed reactor for electrochemical application
Electrochemical processes are mainly carried out at the interface between the electrode and the surrounding solution. In order to achieve high conversion rates, the ratio of electrode surface to solution volume must therefore be maximized. Fluidized bed electrodes based on fluidized microparticles are one way of meeting this requirement, as they have high specific surfaces (i.e. high surfaces to mass ratios). In addition, fluidized-bed electrodes offer the advantage that, unlike fixed-bed electrodes, they do not tend to clog or block even in the case of process streams containing solids. A further advantage is also shown for operating conditions where gas formation occurs due to the high voltage applied to the particle electrode. In the case of a particle fixed bed electrode, the gas bubbles are partially confined in the particle bed, so that there is no flow in these areas and the particle surface occupied by the gas bubbles no longer participates in the reaction. However, fluidized bed electrodes have so far not been widely used in practice, as controlled fluidization and sufficient electrical contacting of these fluidized beds pose major challenges. To date, there have been no processes that sufficiently stabilize electrochemical fluidized bed electrodes and improve fluidized bed contacting to improve the electrochemical applicability of such systems.

Figure 1: 3D-printed magnetically induced fluidized-bed reactor with and without coil

Theses

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Bachelor's and Master's theses can be accepted. The topics cover a wide range from electrochemical application to simulation of the system. If you are interested, please contact us by e-mail.