We aim at building a scientific network to address the selective catalytic reduction of NOx in exhaust gas of diesel vehicles based on Cu-zeolite catalysts, which is the basis of the current technology implemented in diesel exhaust systems all over the world to meet the emission requirements imposed by law. These catalysts deactivate, i.e. the performance deteriorates with time, due to the high temperatures in the exhaust systems and the impact of the exhaust gas on the structure of the catalyst material. A notorious problem is the sensitivity of Cu-zeolites to the small amounts of SO2 that usually are present in a diesel exhaust gas, which limits their applicability an may also cause malfunction of an exhaust system. The goal of the network is to develop a fundamental molecular-level understanding of the processes that lead to the deterioration of the catalysts in general, with an enhanced focus on the impact of SO2, and to implement this knowledge in the development of improved materials for application in exhaust systems. We will address the deactivation of Cu-zeolite catalysts by combining four different approaches. First, state-of-the-art computational modeling based on density functional theory (DFT), to develop a detailed insight in the chemical processes leading to deactivation. Second, advanced spectroscopic characterization, including in-situ/operando techniques, to confirm the relevant chemical structures experimentally, and to be able to follow the processes that lead to deactivation. Third, microkinetic analysis to provide the necessary data to describe the deactivation process, and finally, the development of models that describe the deactivation processes with the aim to be implemented in the application for exhaust systems. The required competences and facilities will be made available to 4 early stage researchers (ESRs) in a network including two expert academic research groups, and two industrial units with complementary skills.

While many hard-to-abate sectors would benefit from a wide availability of green ammonia in Europe, the development of ammonia cracking technologies remains a prerequisite to unlock the full potential of ammonia as a hydrogen carrier. ANDREAH’s main objective is to provide a quantum leap in the development of advanced ammonia decomposition technologies to produce ultra-pure hydrogen (>99.998%) by developing an innovative system based on a Catalytic Membrane Reactor (CMR) for the cracking of Ammonia. In this way, optimised heat management, improved conversion per pass and purification/recycling for more cost-efficient and resource-effective ammonia decomposition at lower temperatures (400-450ºC) compared to conventional systems resulting in a decrease of CAPEX and OPEX of the system, that will bring the decentralized cost of H2 from 5.51 euro/kg to 4.27 euro/kg, with a decrease of 22.5%. For this purpose environmentally friendy and with less CRMs (80-90% less compared to conventional packed bed systems) structured catalyts will be developed and scaled up and integrated with advanced H2 selective Carbon Molecular Sieve Membranes and coupled with a sorbent-based hydrogen polishing step for fuel cell grade. Moreover, the complete system will be validated at TRL5 at the facilities of VTTI in the port of Rotterdam. Finally, a complete LCA, LCC and HSA will be performed over the entire value chain of ANDREAH. Appart from the different exploitable results of the project, the ambition of ANDREAH is to create a spin-off company that can exploit the advanced ammonia cracking system. KIC InnoEnergy supported more than 480 cleantech start-ups in the last decades and will provide support and advice to launch and boost the new spin-off.