Fast testing of multicomponent adsorption and diffusion in porous materials

The European Green Deal aims to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

The industrial sector accounts for ca. 45% of carbon dioxide emissions, stemming from energy-intensive processes like power generation and chemical mixture purifications.

Adsorptive separations by nanoporous materials have emerged as a promising platform for energy-efficient industrial purification and carbon sequestration.

However, to evaluate the performance of an adsorbent and design a separation process, it is crucial to understand the adsorption thermodynamics and kinetics.

Measuring multicomponent adsorption is complex and time-consuming, and adsorption kinetics are even more challenging to measure. As a result, multicomponent diffusion measurements are rare due to the constraints of current measurement methods.

By bridging adsorption/diffusion studies and microfabrication, the FAST-MAP project will develop a new methodology to overcome the challenges of measuring multicomponent isotherms and diffusivities.

Via a novel approach to realize out-of-equilibrium conditions combined with mass spectrometry, the behaviour of fast-diffusing molecules will be thoroughly evaluated, even in small adsorbent particles and in both single- and multicomponent scenarios.

This approach will enable the rapid evaluation and selection of adsorbents for separation processes, thereby accelerating progress towards the zero-emissions target of the EU.

The FAST-MAP project bridges the candidate's strong background in porous materials with the host group's extensive experience in microfabrication, making it a feasible undertaking.