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

Danial Hamedi Jamali

Website
PhD project: Synthesis and analysis of H2-based energy conversion systems
Steffen Linke

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

Edgar Iván Sánchez Medina

Website
PhD project: Hybrid semi-parametric modeling of phase equilibria
Ann-Joelle Minor

Ann-Joelle Minor

Website
PhD project: Modeling and optimization of chemical recycling processes for polymers
Sahil  Sethi

Sahil Sethi

Website
PhD project: Computer aided synthesis of separation processes assisted by machine learning methods
Karsten Hans Georg Rätze

Karsten Hans Georg Rätze

Website
PhD project: Model-Based Process Synthesis of Liquid Multiphase Systems using Dynamic Optimization
Zihao Wang

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)

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