In this complex and highly dynamic context, The Integrated Fuel & Chemical Science Center (FSC²) takes a systems approach to generate fundamental knowledge and novel scientific methods for the development of adaptive technical solutions to valorize renewable resources into liquid energy carriers and chemicals. Based on previous achievements, the integral rather than competitive use of renewable electricity together with feedstocks from atmospheric, biogenic, and industrial sources forms the basis of the FSC² design framework for what we define as bio-hybrid fuels and chemicals. Nitrogen-based substances such as ammonia are included to critically assess their potential as molecular energy carriers and chemical building blocks. In addition to thermal energy conversion, electrochemical devices for recuperating chemically stored energy are studied, and the applicability of molecularly controlled combustion systems to existing vehicle technology is considered. Novel concatenated synthetic pathways and translational catalytic processes for the (co-)production of fuels and chemicals are explored and validated. Resilient and adaptive fuel & chemical conversion systems are designed in an integrated approach bridging scales from molecules to supply chains.

RWTH Aachen University and its strategic partners Forschungszentrum Jülich and Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion are ideally positioned to establish an integrated research center, embedded in the structural framework of the RWTH Profile Area “Energy, Chemical and Process Engineering” and the “Jülich Aachen Research Alliance”. The research activities are organized in five Strategic Research Areas integrating individual project work in a dynamic teams approach, and embracing diversity on all levels as a major driver for creativity. Establishing five junior research groups and mentoring programs for early-stage researchers offer attractive career opportunities ranging from academic trajectories to entrepreneurship. FSC² will catalyze structural developments at the partner institutions by twelve strategic appointments including new and inter-institutional professorships.

Involved Institutions:

• Forschungszentrum Jülich
• Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion (CEC)