Process Systems Engineering
Major research interests
The focus of my research is on the model-based analysis, synthesis, operation and control of complex process systems in chemicals production, energy conversion and biotechnology. A key element for sustainable process design is the Elementary Process Functions (EPF) methodology which is continuously developed in the Sundmacher group, with consideration of all decision variables on the main levels of the process hierarchy, i. e., the molecular level, phase level, process unit level, plant level, and the “Verbund” level. Applications in chemicals production include gas phase processes, integrated processes in liquid multiphase mixtures, and multidimensional crystallization processes. In the area of energy conversion processes, the current major interests are the multiscale investigation of water electrolysis cells for hydrogen production and the optimal design of power-to-X processes. The most important research activities in biotechnology are in the design and dynamic operation of microalgae-based biorefineries, as well as in the bottom-up synthesis of artificial cells from functional molecular modules. In all these projects mathematical modeling, computer-aided approaches and experimental validation methods are closed combined.
Current PhD students in the IMPRS program
Danial Hamedi Jamali
Website
PhD project: Synthesis and analysis of H2-based energy conversion systems
Steffen Linke
Website
PhD project: Integrated design of thermomorphic multicomponent systems and separation processes for the efficient recovery of homogeneous catalysts and solvents
Edgar Iván Sánchez Medina
Website
PhD project: Hybrid semi-parametric modeling of phase equilibria
Ann-Joelle Minor
Website
PhD project: Modeling and optimization of chemical recycling processes for polymers
Sahil Sethi
Website
PhD project: Computer aided synthesis of separation processes assisted by machine learning methods
Karsten Hans Georg Rätze
Website
PhD project: Model-Based Process Synthesis of Liquid Multiphase Systems using Dynamic Optimization
Zihao Wang
Website:
PhD project: Machine learning for material design in chemical processes
Ronny Zimmermann
Website
PhD project: Multiscale Analysis and Rational Design of Dynamically Operated Integrated Catalyst Reactor Systems for Methanation of CO2
IMPRS Alumni
Andreas Himmel
PhD thesis: Optimization-based Operation Strategy and Storage Design for Coupled Processes (June 22, 2021)
Simon Bechtel
PhD thesis: Development of a novel, energy efficient process for the gas-phase electrolysis of hydrogen chloride to chlorine
(Jan. 18, 2021)
Jens Bremer
PhD thesis: Advanced Operating Strategies for Non-Isothermal Fixed-Bed Reactors Exemplified for CO2 Methanation
(Nov. 16, 2020)
Georg Liesche
PhD thesis: Multiscale Analysis and Optimisation of High Temperature Catalytic Processes
(Dec. 6, 2019)
Erdal Aydin
PhD thesis: Tailored Indirect Algorithm for Efficient On-line Optimization of Batch and Semi-batch Processes
(May 29, 2018)
Nga Thi Quynh Do
PhD thesis: Model-based Analysis of an Electro-Enzymatic System for Glucose Oxidation
(Jun. 16, 2017)
Teng Zhou
PhD thesis: Systematic Methods for Reaction Solvent Design and Integrated Solvent and Process Design
(Dec. 15, 2016)
Wenjing Wang
PhD thesis: Multivalent Adsorption of Biological Nanoparticles on Functional Surfaces (Nov. 28, 2016)
Kongmeng Ye
PhD thesis: Process Design Based on CO2-Expanded Liquids as Solvents
(Jul. 4, 2014)
Sebastian Kirsch
PhD thesis: Autonomous oscillations and pattern formation in an electrochemical reactor for the preferential oxidation of CO
(Apr. 3, 2014)
Andreas Peschel
PhD thesis: Conceptual design and synthesis of production processes for alkene hydration
(Mar. 27, 2012)
