Research Area 1: Sourcing
Fossil-fuel-free synthesis technologies for metals and organic compounds
We aim to develop new knowledge on how to produce high-added-value materials and chemicals from low-quality ores using atmospheric gases as the only source of C and N and without burning fossil fuels. We will advance the fundamental knowledge of low-temperature materials transformations and develop electrochemical, biological and photocatalytic reactor technologies capable of supporting the production of materials for simple structural parts. The work program is subdivided in four research focus.
Disciplines: Materials science, electrochemistry, photo- and bioelectrochemistry, biotechnology, geomicrobiology, fluid dynamics, atomic-scale materials modeling, multiphysics modeling, space engineering, metrology.
Sourcing Theme 1: Low-energy electrochemical reduction of regolith for metal extraction
We combine first-principles modeling with physico-chemical experiments and reactor engineering to establish molten-salt-based metal electrowinning with inert anodes as a new technology of metal extraction at low energy and zero CO2 emission.
Project leaders: Lucio Colombi Ciacchi, Jorg Th?ming, Nicola Marzari, Fabio La Mantia, Katharina Brinkert
Sourcing Theme 2: Synthesis routes powered by microorganisms
We establish technologies based on bacteria cultivation coupled with microbial lectrochemical cells as a flexible and sustainable way of converting regolith and atmospheric gases into valuable chemical elements, compounds and bioplastics.
Project leaders: Cyprien Verseux, Charles S. Cockell, Sven Kerzenmacher, Fabio La Mantia, Katharina Brinkert, Anastasiya T?njes, Marc Avila.
Sourcing Theme 3: Photoelectrocatalytical systems
We develop novel photoelectrochemical methods for the fixation of atmospheric gases into molecular precursors to polymers and adhesives via coupled knowledge оf reaction and gas-evolution mechanisms with electrode and reactоr design.
Project leaders: Katharina Brinkert, Fabio La Mantia, Lutz M?dler, Marc Avila, Lucio Colombi Ciacchi
Sourcing Theme 4: Beneficiation and automated monitoring of regolith
Our research will lead to new concepts for the sorting, refining and monitoring of as-delivered regolith compatible with Mars conditions. Its output will be important for all projects in RA1 Sourcing and RA2 Operating making use of regolith in their materials or processes.
Project leaders: Paul Zabel, Andreas Fischer
