PhD #1: Thermo-chemical CO2 conversion of biomass to syngas
Open Position - PhD #1
This PhD project focuses on the thermo-chemical conversion of CO2 to syngas, which is a mixture of CO, CO2, H2, small amounts of higher hydrocarbons and H2O. The CO2 is fed together with steam or in pure form into a fluidized bed gasifier, where biomass is converted to a high-value syngas. In this process, the end product CO2 is converted to CO which is the carbon source for further synthesis routes. This syngas is further used for the production of biofuels, synthetic natural gas, fine chemicals, proteins or nutrients in the other PhDs theses of this doctoral college. Therefore, it is import to have knowledge about the downstream processes of syngas utilization and its optimal composition as well.
In close interaction with PIs and PhD students within this doctoral college, suitable syngas compositions will be evaluated, and the CO2 biomass gasification process integrated in the CO2Refinery. The aim of this PhD project is to optimize the operation parameters during CO2 gasification to increase the CO2 conversion and carbon utilization efficiency.
PI: Franz WINTER
Co-PIs: Stefan MÜLLER, Anna MAUERHOFER