► A Multi-Scale Approach

CARENA aims for breakthroughs in catalytic membrane materials and processes by having materials sciences and engineering progress at all scales. Therefore an essential aspect of CARENA is the multi-scale approach illustrated in the diagram below and based on the following activities:

1. CREATE novel process schemes that turn novel materials and reactions concepts into innovative industrial processes with new opportunities, such as reduction of the number of process steps and elimination of energy intensive separations. CARENA targets 30% lower CAPEX and operating costs.

2. DEVELOP reactor concepts that match and control highly intensified rates of mass and heat transfer resulting from application of novel materials and architectures. Process intensification combining in-situ reaction and separation will be designed for equilibrium-limited reactions of strong industrial relevance.

3. OPTIMIZE membranes and catalysts through the development of novel nano-architectured materials and their integration e.g. using nano-membrane coated catalysts and multi-layer membrane/catalyst interfaces to enable selective conversion of raw feedstocks such as light alkanes (C1, C3) and CO2 by generating (in-situ) active species (O*, H+, H2O2,...).

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                                Multi-scale approach in CARENA linking materials, reactors and processes

► A Multidisciplinary Approach

CARENA's value chain

CARENA's consortium is a multidisciplinary value chain: new and strong bridges between university (basic research), R&D centre (demonstration of proof of concept) and industry (technology assessment/evaluation) will be developed.

Knowledge transfer

CARENA partners have complementary roles in knowledge generation and transfer, for both fundamental science and applied work, as shown in the diagram below:

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                                                                             Knowledge transfer in CARENA

► CARENA's Toolboxes

For a synergy between application-oriented developments and fundamental research

CARENA focuses on a selected number of applications with clear goals supported by the active role of industrial partners (WPs 1-3). The strength of the multi-disciplinary approach defined lies in the synergy between the various development paths and the underpinning science to go beyond traditional boundaries between applied and fundamental research:

• The development of catalytic membrane reactors for selected chemical processes encompasses all scientific, technical and technological aspects, from reactor- and process design to modelling and techno-economical analysis for an optimal integration of materials and technology;

• The underlying generic research necessary to tailor materials properties to match the operational window of all CMR components is carried out in an open innovation mode, ensuring sharing of efforts and knowledge.

Three “toolboxes” have been created as transversal WPs to provide key generic knowledge and dedicated tools for all applications… and thus reach CARENA’s ambitious objectives: