This center aims at utilizing catalytic technology to create a better environment and save energy through the long-term acquisition of knowledge and technological development. The research results will for example help to reduce emissions from cars and industry and give more efficient energy conversion techniques.
Research areas
Catalytic emission control is now an established technique for gasoline-powered cars. It dramatically reduces the harmful content of the emissions and a similar technological breakthrough can be expected when it comes to removing NOx from lean-burn and diesel vehicles and fixed incineration plants.
The research program within emission related catalysis currently comprises two major projects. The first relates to the low-temperature activation/ignition of catalytic converters as well as the oxidation of low concentrations of volatile organic compounds while the second involves reducing NOx in connection with surplus oxygen. Nanotechnology and modelling are supporting projects. Recently we have also initiated a number of project where nanotechnology is used to improve the design of fuel cell electrodes.
This research programme encompasses broad-based issues of an interdisciplinary character which range from basic research to direct applications. Research and research education is therefore organized in such a way that the traditional borders between disciplines are erased. KCK is an internationally established research center with, e.g., several projects with foreign partners and many invited talks at international conferences.