Description

Background:

The reduction of CO2 emission requires the use of CO2 to mitigate climate change. CO2 utilization to chemicals offers the advantage of mitigating climate change and replacing fossil-based chemicals. 1-Propanol is a platform chemical that is used in multiple processes and applications. However, sustainable production routes for 1-propanol are still the topic of current research. The same applies to catalysts that would enable CO2-based synthesis of 1‑propanol. Besides the technical feasibility of synthesis routes, new production technologies must also be economically feasible and environmentally beneficial compared to fossil-based alternatives. Therefore, techno-economic analysis (TEA) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) should be used at an early stage of process development to estimate costs and environmental impacts, respectively.

Your thesis:

In this project, you will investigate different synthesis routes for 1-propanol from different feedstocks. The task involves the design of synthesis routes and processes. The different synthesis routes are modeled using simulation software and short-cut models for estimation of energy and material flows. Afterward, the different process routes are evaluated and compared based on thermo-economic analysis and Life Cycle Assessment methods. The project also includes a review of promising routes and the suggestion of promising possible future routes. Therefore, you identify key challenges and future research tasks for the development of catalysts for 1-propanol synthesis. Furthermore, you will use the programming language Python, which requires knowledge in Python or the willingness to learn Python. You will be part of a young and motivated team at the Energy and Process Systems Engineering Laboratory (EPSE).

About you:

  • Student in one of the following or related programs: mechanical engineering, process systems engineering, energy engineering, environmental engineering, chemical engineering, chemical and bioengineering
  • Interest in modeling, life cycle assessment, and programming
  • Independent and self-critical working style
  • Background knowledge in thermodynamics and chemical engineering beneficial
  • Advantageous: experience in modeling & programming

Interested?

Please contact Lukas Spiekermann (lspiekermann@ethz.ch) (CV and transcript of records).