The project focuses on two key research questions: Which eutectic solvent is particularly effective for separating gold from mining tailings and ore concentrates? And how effectively can dielectrophoresis be used to separate gold particles from these materials?

The goal of this research is to identify suitable DES for gold extraction and to investigate the potential of DEP as an efficient separation process for recovering gold from mining waste and ore concentrates.

The focus was on specialist presentations from the group and discussions of current papers, project proposals, and research ideas. We deliberately allowed plenty of time for this so that we could deal with the respective topics in depth and provide constructive feedback. The scientific part was therefore not only an opportunity for presentation, but also an important platform for the further development of joint research projects.

In addition to the work, there was also plenty of time for shared experiences: cooking, quiz nights, and an excursion to the dune landscape strengthened our team spirit, with Prof. Thöming using his ornithological expertise to teach everyone about the island's bird life.

The days on Sylt were thus characterized by a balanced mix of intensive professional discussion and communal activities. With many new ideas and a strengthened sense of cohesion, we look back on a seminar trip that will remain in our memories for a long time to come.

In his dissertation, entitled “Exploring Catalytic Reactors using Computational Fluid Dynamics: Insights and Limitations,” Kevin focused on numerical flow simulations of catalytic reactors in order to better understand and predict the conditions within them. Initially, heat source-based simulations were used in large parameter studies to better describe the heat transfer from the reactors and to quantify the influence of different catalyst support structures and various process parameters.

In addition, he collaborated with Harm to design a reactor that could be used in magnetic resonance imaging to measure both the temperature and the gas composition in the gas phase with spatial resolution. This data was used to validate reactive flow simulations (rCFD), which were intended to predict the conditions in the reactor with significantly higher resolution. It was found that the simulations were able to reproduce the characteristics in the reactor well, although differences were observed especially in terms of temperature. This comparison was the first of its kind to compare 3D reactive flow simulations with 3D experimental data. Despite the deviations, it became clear that reactive CFD is a powerful tool for gaining detailed insights into reactors that cannot be obtained with any other method. This marks the start of increased use of rCFD in the investigation of chemical reactors, which, with increasing computing power, will allow completely new insights into reactors in the future, making their optimization and predictability possible.

This research represents significant progress for process-related analysis in power-to-liquid plants. By monitoring Fischer-Tropsch products quickly and precisely, reaction parameters can be optimized in real time and fluctuations in the energy supply can be better absorbed. Jonas' work could therefore make a decisive contribution to increasing the efficiency of the overall process.

With ELEKTRA - an electrodynamic antifouling coating for maritime applications - we and our project partners are making an important contribution to environmentally friendly biofouling prevention in the maritime sector. The system completely dispenses with biocidal agents and instead uses an alternating electric field to effectively prevent the fouling of ship hulls, in particular sensors or windows. ELEKTRA thus represents a forward-looking, sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional solutions based on UV radiation or wiper systems, which usually require structural adaptations.

The award was presented on March 27, 2025 as part of the IGF Congress in Berlin. The three finalists, who were selected by the IGF science council, were presented in short videos (link to video). At the end, the audience was able to decide which project would now bear the title “IGF Project of the Year 2025”. Dr. Michael Baune was there on behalf of CVT to accept the excellent second place. 

We would like to thank all our project partners at Fraunhofer IFAM and TU Dresden as well as the BMWE for their support as part of the IGF funding. Second place is not only a recognition for us, but also an incentive to continue our work on innovative and sustainable solutions.

His work combined numerical simulations using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with experimental investigations based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). He was able to determine in detail both the flow through the open cell structures and the dispersion within the foams and gain new insights into the transport mechanisms in these complex materials.

With his successful doctoral colloquium last week, Mehrdad has reached an important milestone. We would like to thank him for his excellent work and wish him all the best for his future career!

Under expert guidance, the young people not only learned about the structure of the distillation apparatus, but also the chemical background to the process. Particularly impressive: the moment when the first drops of fresh orange oil became visible - and the whole laboratory was enveloped in a fruity, citrusy scent.

With activities like this, CVT shows how practical and fascinating process engineering can be - and at the same time awakens an interest in scientific careers at an early age.
 

Using steam distillation, the two students first isolated essential oils from lavender flowers and orange peel. While the orange oil impressed with its fresh scent, they used the lavender oil for another exciting step: the production of their own soap - a successful example of the combination of chemistry, creativity and sustainability.

In addition to distillation, the students also worked with the Soxhlet extraction principle to obtain wax from cotton - a complex but effective process that shows how valuable substances can be extracted from natural materials.

The project not only offered the opportunity to learn about different extraction processes, but also to manufacture products with real-life relevance.

The project focuses on the research questions of which DES can be efficiently used for the separation of gold from mining tailings and ore concentrates and how efficient DEP is in separating gold particles from ore concentrates and mining tailings.

The final publication can be found here.

The conference had more than 1800 participants. ISE was founded in 1949 by leading European and American Electrochemists to serve the growing needs of electrochemistry in becoming a modern scientific discipline.

Reza is delighted to announce: “It was a great opportunity to connect with some brilliant minds and engage in fruitful discussions as a representative of the University of Bremen. It is my conviction that electrochemistry will revolutionize not only mobility and energy sections but also metal and steel production.”

If you want to find out more about Rezas research click here.

Many thanks to the Kohlpaar Laura and Harm for organizing the tour and we are looking forward to the next year organzied by the Königspaar Jonas and Alex.

This year’s AIChE Annual Meeting took place in Phoenix, AZ, with thousands of chemical engineers from around the globe. In the CRE poster session, about 150 poster presenters took part.

The EUROCORR is Europenas largest conferecne on corrosion and is held every year in europe. The EFC - European Federation of Corrosion - awards every year a young scientist under 35 years with a poster price, which comes with a certificate and 500 €.

Ingmars Poster can be found here and more about his wirk can be found here.

For more details please see:

Weirauch, L., Giesler, J., Baune, M., Pesch, G. R., Thöming, J. (2022). Shape-selective remobilization of microparticles in a mesh-based DEP filter at high throughput. Separation and Purification Technology, 300, 121792. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2022.121792

Giesler, J., Weirauch, L., Thöming, J., Baune, M., Pesch, G. R. (2022). High-throughput dielectrophoretic separator based on printed circuit boards. Electrophoresis. https://doi.org/10.1002/elps.202200131

Simons Presentation with additional notes can be found here.

Der „CAMPUS PREIS: Forschen für nachhaltige Zukunft“ geht 2020 an zwei Absolventen der Universität Bremen - den Ingenieur Dr. Georg Pesch und den Meeresbiologen Julian Engel, der seine Masterarbeit am Leibniz-Zentrum für Marine Tropenforschung geschrieben hat.

Der CAMPUS PREIS zeichnet herausragende, auf dem Campus der Universität Bremen erstellte Abschlussarbeiten aus, die sich thematisch der nachhaltigen Nutzung von Ressourcen, dem Schutz der Umwelt, des Klimas und der Meere widmen. Die Auszeichnung wurde 2016 ins Leben gerufen und wird einmal im Jahr von der KELLNER & STOLL-STIFTUNG FÜR KLIMA UND UMWELT, dem Leibniz-Zentrum für Marine Tropenforschung (ZMT), der Universität Bremen und dem Verein Alumni der Universität Bremen ausgelobt. Sie ist mit insgesamt 3.000 Euro dotiert. Die Bremer Unternehmen ADLER Solar, REETEC und ecolo – Agentur für Ökologie und Kommunikation unterstützen den CAMPUS PREIS als Sponsorinnen und Sponsoren.
 

https://www.campuspreis.de

Zur Pressemitteilung der Uni Bremen.

Georg is in Delft on DFG Research Fellowship at the Department of Chemical Engineering in the Group of Pouyan Boukany.

Die Preisträgerinnen und Preisträger des Bremer Studienpreises 2018 sind:

• Dissertation im Bereich Natur-und Ingenieurwissenschaften: Dr.-Ing. Georg Pesch aus dem Fachbereich Produktionstechnik zum Thema: „On the dielectrophoretic particle retention in porous media“ (Über die dielektrophoretische Partikelrückhaltung in porösen Medien)
• Masterarbeit im Bereich Natur- und Ingenieurwissenschaften: Magdalena Laurien, Fachbereich Produktionstechnik, zum Thema: „Atomistic Modelling oft he Formation of a Thermoset/Thermoplastic Interphase during Co-Curing“ (Atomistische Modellierung der Bildung einer duroplastisch/thermoplastischen Grenzfläche während des Co-Härtung)
• Dissertation im Bereich der Geistes-und Sozialwissenschaften: Dr. Insa Stefanie Jarass, Fachbereich Rechtswissenschaft, mit dem Thema „Privates Eigentumsrecht“
• Masterarbeit im Bereich Geistes-und Sozialwissenschaften: Matthias C. Täger, Fachbereich Sozialwissenschaften, zum Thema „Greening Finance? A Strategic Action Field Analysis of Environmentally Sustainable Finance“ (Grüne Finanzen? Eine strategische Handlungsfeld-Analyse von ökologisch nachhaltigen Finanzierungen)
• Sonderpreis der Bruker Daltonik GmbH im Bereich Natur- und Ingenieurwissenschaften für Dr. Florian F. Krause, Physik, für seine Dissertation „Entwicklung spezieller quantitativer Messverfahren für die hochauflösende Transmissionselektronenmikroskopie

Zur Pressemitteilung der Uni Bremen.

His talk will cover nanoparticle detection with a focus on particle agglomeration. A highlight of his research is the detection of nanoparticles through the quantification of single impact events using microelectrodes. Another focus will be the mechanisms of toxic action of nanoparticles. By developing new electrochemical measurement techniques, it is hoped that the mechanism of action can be better understood, along with possible environmental implications.

Find his presentation slides here.

We spend a refreshing three days talking about our projects, practicing presentations, doing sports, and enjoying the sunshine. Also, we were cooking our own meals and making 10 kg of cheese spaetzle is kind of living the dream!

Find more pictures here!

Ingmar hat im Rahmen des SFB zusammen mit Lasse Langstädtler einen Workshop (Raumschiffreparatur – auf der Spur des Materials) für 1. bis 7. Klassen angeboten, in dem Schüler selber in die Rolle eines Materialwissenschaftlers schlüpfen können und an verschiedenen Stationen unterschiedliche Materialien auf ihre Eigenschaften (Elastizität, Leitfähigkeit, Dichte, Oberflächenbeschaffenheit) testen konnten.

It was a very productive and intersting conference! Find Georg's presentation slides here.

Link to DEP 2018 web-page.

Congrats to Georg and Malte!
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-28735-w
Boukany group

From the abstract:
Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is a versatile technique for the solution of difficult (bio-)particle separation tasks based on size and material. Particle motion by DEP requires a highly inhomogeneous electric field. Thus, the throughput of classical DEP devices is limited by restrictions on the channel size to achieve large enough gradients. Here, we investigate dielectrophoretic filtration, in which channel size and separation performance are decoupled because particles are trapped at induced field maxima in a porous separation matrix. By simulating microfluidic model porous media, we derive design rules for DEP filters and verify them using model particles (polystyrene) and biological cells (S. cerevisiae, yeast). Further, we bridge the throughput gap by separating yeast in an alumina sponge and show that the design rules are equally applicable in real porous media at high throughput. While maintaining almost 100% efficiency, we process up to 9 mL min⁻¹, several orders of magnitude more than most state-of-the-art DEP applications. Our microfluidic approach provides new insight into trapping dynamics in porous media, which even can be applied in real sponges. These results pave the way toward high-throughput retention, which is capable of solving existing problems such as cell separation in liquid biopsy or precious metal recovery.