Marchi Enrico: Title: Pure methane from CO2 employing a novel bi-functional material in a structured radial flow reactor.: 3000 eur (2025)

With the grant that I won in 2025 I managed to buy a high level computer which allows me to  run smoothly process simulators and 3D modelling software. These tools are essential in the  research of my project, development of ideas and testing of concepts. The newly bought  laptop has been a key instrument in the daily work, to keep track of the experimental  activities, to help answering problems, in the writing and editing articles, and in elaborating  the data with simulation software. 

At the end of the second year of PhD, I improved the preparation method of a nickel based  catalyst, obtaining 50% higher catalytic activity compared to the previous one, for the same  nominal metal content. This new catalyst synthesis procedure is now under patenting with  ÅAU. The result of this research yielded a very active catalyst which could possibly be  employed in all Ni catalysed reactions. At industrial level this imply lower energy  consumption, increased productivity or lower reactor costs for the same design specification. 

A collaboration with another PhD student resulted in a reliable 3D printing method for  zeolites, and possibly it could be extended to other catalytic supports. A stable low viscosity  3D printing resin mixture with long shelf life has also been obtained. In the next period, kinetic modelling and simulations of 3D printed monoliths in a catalytic  reactor will be carried out. In addition, overall process simulation with techno economic  analysis will be the last investigation of my PhD.

3D printed zeolite catalyst supports: 

Nickel salts employed in the catalytic investigation: 

Nickel clusters (TEM image)