Master's Thesis: Design of an Adsorption Process for Formaldehyde Recovery (70% experimental, 30% theorotical)

18.02.2025, Diplomarbeiten, Bachelor- und Masterarbeiten

This project aims to design an adsorption-based process for recovering and concentrating formaldehyde from aqueous solutions. By conducting experimental studies and developing adsorption models, the research will contribute to the development of an energy-efficient alternative to traditional distillation methods. Background:

Formaldehyde is a key feedstock for products such as plastics and renewable fuels. It is typically produced as an aqueous solution and requires energy-intensive distillation for concentration. At the Laboratory of Chemical Process Engineering, we aim to optimize downstream processes for formaldehyde recovery, with temperature/solvent swing adsorption being a potential solution.

Tasks:
• Familiarize yourself with formaldehyde systems and the experimental setup.
• Design and conduct adsorption experiments to determine equilibrium behavior for various adsorbents.
• Perform desorption studies with different solvents to identify optimal recovery conditions.
• Investigate the impact of salts on adsorption equilibrium and performance.
• Analyze and fit experimental data to appropriate adsorption models (e.g., Langmuir, Freundlich).
• Design an adsorption process using simulation software (ASPEN Plus).


Requirements:
• Strong interest and prior experience in laboratory analytical work.
• Basic knowledge of thermodynamics, phase equilibria, and adsorption principles.
• Proactive mindset with a high degree of independence and responsibility.

What You Will Gain:
• Hands-on experience in experimental design and data analysis.
• Knowledge in adsorption processes and downstream chemical engineering.
• Opportunity to contribute to an energy-efficient industrial process.

Earliest Possible Start: 15.03.2025

Kontakt: Hamzah Elfaitory - hamzah.elfaitory@tum.de