Merck and the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg cooperate in the field of new hybrid materials for more energy-efficient processes

Engineerblogger
March 13, 2012

Pilot plant of the University Erlangen-Nuernberg for the testing of new hybrid materials in catalysis. Source: CRT/Max Etzold Fotografie

Merck and the Cluster of Excellence Engineering of Advanced Materials (EAM) at Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU) have today announced their cooperation in the field of new hybrid materials for more energy-efficient processes. This new strategic cooperation centers on catalytic conversion, gas purification and new functional surfaces. The cooperation combines the material and process expertise of the EAM scientists with a number of highly innovative classes of materials from Merck, including ionic liquids, silica-based functional materials and fluorochemicals. The hybrid materials resulting from this cooperation promise great potential for safer, more energy-efficient and more eco-friendly processes and products. For example, the ionic liquids developed by Merck are to be integrated at the EAM into novel catalyst and membrane systems intended for use in oxidation chemistry and hydrogen purification. The hybrid materials developed will be tested at EAM pilot plants and optimized in terms of material and process technology. Merck is elaborating application scenarios and aims to develop the results further in the form of prototypes.

Ionic Liquids for Fine Chemicals and Catalysis. Merck, Darmstadt, Germany

"The cooperation between Merck and the EAM is a further step toward achieving materials and processes that enable a more responsible use of resources such as energy and raw materials in the future", says Dr. Klaus Bofinger, Head of Advanced Technologies at Merck. "This strategic alliance clearly shows that the Cluster of Excellence EAM not only has a high level of expertise in materials development, but is also sought after as an important partner when it comes to industrial applications", says Professor Peter Wasserscheid, coordinator of Catalytic Materials research at the EAM.
About Merck
Merck is a global pharmaceutical and chemical company with total revenues of € 10.3 billion in 2011, a history that began in 1668, and a future shaped by more than 40,000 employees in 67 countries. Its success is characterized by innovations from entrepreneurial employees. Merck's operating activities come under the umbrella of Merck KGaA, in which the Merck family holds an approximately 70% interest and shareholders own the remaining approximately 30%. In 1917 the U.S. subsidiary Merck & Co. was expropriated and has been an independent company ever since. www.merckgroup.com


Source: Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg