CerAM-Heat

In order to face the imminent challenge of global warming, a profound increase in the electrification of chemical processes, in particular for heating purposes, is required, thus enabling an energy transition towards a low-carbon economy. Furthermore, to reduce the overall energy demand, the efficiency of such processes has to be increased in a manner so that the heat is primarily generated where it is actually needed. In this international project, we aim to develop new materials and techniques suitable for the generation of porous ceramics with magnetic heating capability, which can eventually be used in chemical conversion processes. By combining filament-based 3D printing with specific polymers which can subsequently be converted into ceramic materials, it is not only possible to drastically increase the freedom in parts design, but also to introduce additional functionalities such as magnetic nanoparticles, which can be selectively heated by the application of a magnetic field. This will eventually allow an on-demand, energy-efficient, and decentralized operation e.g. of catalytic reactors. The three major parts of this project, which will be carried out in an international consortium involving TU Wien and JKU Linz (Austria) as well as Jozef Stefan Institute in Ljubljana (Slovenia), will include the development of new preceramic polymer systems suitable for additive manufacturing, the incorporation of magnetic nanoparticles, and finally the combination of these aspects to deliver the proof-of-concept for the magnetic heating of a porous reactor mock-up. The introduction of magnetic nanoparticles into polymer-derived ceramics shapable by fused filament fabrication is a completely new approach towards facilitating electric heating of porous ceramic materials. Such active heating functionality will open new possibilities for the electrification of chemical processes, enabling a readily switchable and dynamic operation, fast thermal cycles, and, generally, a more economical energy usage than conventional passive heating by fossil fuel combustion.