Simultaneous thermal analysis apparatus with humidity generator and gas analysis system

• Subject Area: Process Engineering, Technical Chemistry
• Term: Funded in 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 566305809

Besides the established, standardized investigation of solid catalysts, adsorbents and supporting materials, without it is not possible to characterize these substance groups with regard to their thermal stability in use or the frequently necessary regeneration under different atmospheres in a state-of-the-art manner, the proposed device will also focus on more demanding scientific questions. As part of the development of innovative functional materials, the elaborate thermoanalytical investigation not only provides knowledge of the stability and decomposition behavior, but also sheds light on the occurrence of phase transitions (such as hydration of salts, structural transformations, deliquescence or melting behavior, glass transitions) and desorption or adsorption processes. The released molecules and oxidation products allow conclusions to be drawn about the chemo-thermal behavior (such as desorption kinetics, mechanisms of chemical degradation or reductive catalyst regeneration, pyrolysis products). The device applied for is a multifunctional, integrated system for the comprehensive analysis of thermochemical properties. The temperature range extends from -150 °C to +1600 °C. The heat evolution (DSC or DTA signal) can be recorded over the entire temperature range using appropriate sample carriers. A coupled humidity generator enables data acquisition under controlled humidity. To test the sorption and stability behavior of porous materials under different atmospheres, e.g. N2, air, CO2, Ar or 4 % H2 in N2 can be used. In addition, the exhaust gases are analyzed simultaneously using the integrated mass spectrometry and FT-IR spectroscopy analysis devices connected in parallel. Materials for sorptive heat storage in particular require qualitative and quantitative knowledge of the occuring enthalpies. Of particular interest is the investigation of the heat change of water absorption and release behavior under process-approximated, non-isothermal conditions. This cannot be simulated using conventional sorption apparatus and measurement strategies. The requested device opens up new possibilities, also through measurements at low temperatures (below RT). This includes the investigation of CO2 sorption behavior. Through the possibility of precise DSC measurement in the lower temperature range (under various atmospheres including water vapor), the apparatus opens up the possibility of gaining knowledge about the behavior of inorganic and organic salts (phase diagrams) with relevance for the strategic further development of micro-macro-porous MOF/salt composites and for product separation in biocatalysis. In the field of fire protection research, the apparatus can provide insights into the products of slow oxidative decomposition analogous to smoldering fires.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Simultane Thermo-Analysen-Apparatur mit Feuchtegenerator sowie Gasanalytiksystem
• Instrumentation Group: 8660 Thermoanalysegeräte (DTA, DTG), Dilatometer
• Applicant Institution: Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg
• Leader: Professorin Dr. Franziska Scheffler