Catalysts speed up chemical reactions that convert substances into different substances. No wonder catalysts are used in 90% of all chemical processes. Though the majority of chemical processes have gradually been optimized over the years, they can often be improved even further.

Increase the efficiency of your chemical process

By adapting the shape of the catalyst, the yield of a reactor can be increased substantially. It also leads to improved product quality, with:

  • Fewer raw materials and catalysts
  • Fewer unwanted by-products
  • Lower energy consumption
  • Reduced CO2 footprint of chemicals produced

Porous, but strong

VITO is a pioneer in 3D micro extrusion, a type of 3D printing technology suitable for making porous materials. A specially developed paste made from a ceramic or metallic powder is extruded through a thin needle and deposited in a 3D pattern. By changing the composition and the design, strength and stability of a catalysts can be optimized. This approach is very flexible and can be used for a wide range of materials.

Powerful properties

Using 3D printed catalyst provides better control of a number of crucial process parameters. The porous 3D structure not only decreases pressure drop but also improves mass and heat transfer. This yields a powerful combination of advantages:

  • Increased production in existing installations (more product output)
  • Improved production quality (les s side products or impurities
  • Less catalyst required (increased efficiency and a longer service life)
  • Lower energy consumption
  • Safer operation

We can print catalysts that are tailor-made for your process.

The benefits of 3d-printed catalysts

  • More reactor output
  • Higher product quality
  • Lower energy consumption
  • Safer operation

3d-printed catalysts provide added value for:

  • Chemical companies
  • Pharmaceutical companies
  • Life Science companies

R&D projects

The potential of 3D printed catalysts is currently being explored in several research projects in close collaboration with industrial partners.

Converting CO2

Within the Flemish research projects CATCO2RE and Plasmacatdesign, we are converting captured CO2 into valuable chemicals such as methane or methanol.

Faster, cheaper and more environmentally friendly

As part of the European project CARMOF, we are developing an efficient method to capture CO2 for conversion using 3D printed innovative CO2 adsorbing materials.

New ways of producing chemicals and fuels

The European project CO2focus aims to produce dimethyl ether (DME) from CO2  and H2 by means of 3D printed catalysts and solid oxide cell technologies. Using renewable technologies, we are making the production more energy efficient, cost-effective and cleaner.

 

Contact:
Dirk Vangeneugden
+32 14 33 56 20