Fuel Synthesis
E-fuel Synthesis
Our group explores the synthesis of electrofuels (e-fuels)—carbon-neutral synthetic fuels produced using renewable electricity—with a focus on ammonia and dimethyl ether (DME) as promising hydrogen carriers and combustion fuels. These fuels offer high energy density, flexible storage, and compatibility with existing infrastructure.
We investigate non-equilibrium techniques, including plasma-assisted and laser-induced processes, to enhance reaction rates and selectivity under mild conditions. These methods enable efficient nitrogen fixation and CO₂ conversion, bypassing the limitations of conventional thermocatalytic pathways. Our research combines plasma diagnostics, reaction kinetics, and reactor design to advance sustainable fuel production technologies for transportation and power generation.
Chemical Kinetics
A core focus of our research is on chemical kinetics—the detailed reaction mechanisms that govern fuel decomposition, radical formation, and heat release in combustion. We develop and validate kinetic models to accurately predict ignition delay times, which are critical for engine design, fuel screening, and safety analysis.
Special emphasis is placed on low-temperature combustion (LTC) regimes, where cool flame chemistry and chain-branching pathways dominate. These regimes are central to advanced combustion concepts such as HCCI and fuel reforming. By integrating experimental measurements with detailed simulations, we aim to improve the fidelity of kinetic models and enable the design of cleaner, more efficient combustion systems.
Hydrogen Production
Our research addresses innovative methods for hydrogen production, with a focus on turquoise hydrogen—a low-emission route that extracts hydrogen from fossil fuels through hydrocarbon pyrolysis. Unlike conventional steam reforming, which emits CO₂, turquoise hydrogen processes thermally decompose hydrocarbon into hydrogen gas and solid carbon, offering a cleaner alternative without CO₂ emissions.
We investigate advanced pyrolysis techniques, including plasma-assisted and catalytically enhanced reactors, to improve conversion efficiency, control carbon morphology, and reduce energy input. This research supports the transition to a hydrogen economy while leveraging existing hydrocarbon resources in a more sustainable and climate-compatible way.