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Innovate and React

Kevin Hares

Talking to scientist about their innovations in chemistry

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  • 22 episodes
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  • Avg 44 min
  • English

Episodes 22

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  • #9
    Jul 7, 2025 · 59 min

    Fischer-Tropsch: From Waste to Fuel

    Contributors: Theresa Köffler Dr. Kevin Hares LinkedIn Thanks for considering to support the show on buymeacoffee.com/innovateandreact ☕️ Summary: In this episode of Innovate and React, Theresa Köffler from BEST – Bioenergy and Sustainable Technologies in Vienna is talking about how to turn waste into fuel. We explore the fascinating role of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis for producing sustainable fuels. From the development of demonstration plants to the integration of syngas from biogenic feedstocks, Theresa shares insights into the future of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and decentralized energy systems. The episode covers both the technical challenges and the broader implications for climate-friendly energy independence. 03:00 The Role of BEST in Bridging Research and Industry Theresa explains BEST’s mission to connect fundamental research with industrial application, and the collaborative ecosystem involving universities, government, and businesses. 14:00 Introduction to Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis A deep dive into the 100-year-old Fischer-Tropsch process, its modern revival for sustainable fuel production, and how biogenic feedstocks make it carbon-neutral. 23:00 Syngas from Biomass and Waste Theresa explains syngas production from diverse feedstocks such as wood chips, sewage sludge, and coconut shells, and why gas cleaning is a crucial step before synthesis. 33:00 Fuel Processing and Product Fractions Learn how different hydrocarbon products (diesel, waxes, naphta) are separated and refined, including insights into catalyst types and downstream processing. 53:00 Future Pathways: CO Electrolyzers and Power-to-Liquid The discussion turns to integrating renewable electricity via CO₂ electrolysis, potentially enabling localized and scalable fuel production directly from electricity and waste. 🔗 Resources & and further reading: BEST – Bioenergy and Sustainable Technologies Publications by BEST More info on: BEST SlurryFTS4XtL Project 📩 Got a topic or guest idea? Email to contact@innovateandreact.com or 💬 Connect on LinkedIn | ⭐ Follow & Review the podcast to help others discover it! If you have questions regarding the episode feel free to leave a comment and we will answer it.

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  • #8
    Jun 19, 2025 · 1 hr 6 min

    Green Methanol: Old Chemistry Meets New Energy

    Contributors: Dr. Kevin Hares LinkedIn Florian Nestler Thanks for considering to support the show on buymeacoffee.com/innovateandreact ☕️ In this episode we discuss the critical role of methanol synthesis and hydrogen carriers in the energy transition. Florian, a scientific advisor at Fraunhofer ISE, explains his work in sustainable synthesis processes and the significance of hydrogen as a renewable energy carrier. We delve into the technical challenges of methanol synthesis using CO2 and hydrogen, the importance of dynamic operation and the purity of the syngas feedstock. Florian also highlights the strategic advantages of utilizing green methanol and advanced synthesis processes for industrial applications and future energy systems, as well as the potential for power-to-X technologies. 00:32 Overview of Fraunhofer ISE and Its Divisions 01:20 Hydrogen Technologies and Their Applications 04:07 Methanol and Its Role in Energy Transition 20:27 Dynamic Operations in Methanol Synthesis 34:25 Reactor Design Challenges 34:56 Catalyst Activity and Stability 41:22 Side Products in Methanol Synthesis 56:19 Future of Green Technology 01:01:42 DME as an alternative Hydrogen Carrier Find out more about Florians publication about how the syngas composition influences the methanol synthesis here (Link) and more informations on Sustainable Synthesis Products department at Fraunhofer ISE here (link). If you have any questions regarding this episode or want to talk about your research and want to be part of a future episode find mit on LinkedIn or contact me via email Contact. Many thanks to aloc for providing the music.

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