This project idea aims to develop a sustainable, multi-product biorefinery strategy by leveraging biomass as a feedstock for the co-production of high-performance electrode materials for water electrolysis and valuable platform chemicals from the liquid byproducts generated during hydrothermal processing. By precisely tuning process parameters, particularly pH, temperature, and reaction time, we can steer the reaction pathways to maximize the yield to selectively enrich the filtrate with specific platform chemicals, while still obtaining solid electrode materials.
An industrial partner on the German side is already involved.
We are looking for project partners to support us with implementation in any way possible. We recognise the need for expertise in the field of separating complex filtrates.

The Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion is located in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany, a leading research institution dedicated to understanding and developing catalytic processes for sustainable energy conversion. The institute focuses on fundamental research in areas such as electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, and heterogeneous catalysis, with a strong emphasis on converting renewable energy and feedstocks into storable fuels and chemicals, particularly hydrogen, ammonia, and carbon-based fuels. MPI CEC combines advanced spectroscopic techniques, theoretical modeling, and materials synthesis to unravel reaction mechanisms and design efficient, selective, and durable catalysts for clean energy technologies.

The working group of Saskia Heumann at MPI CEC specializes in the development and characterization of sustainable catalysts for energy related conversion reactions. The team applies experimental approaches to design and optimize functional materials, such as carbon-based electrodes and transition metal catalysts, while exploring the integration of renewable feedstocks into catalytic processes. A key aspect of their research involves the hydrothermal biomass conversion, aiming to generate high-value platform chemicals in tandem with functional electrode materials.