Suzanne Halden

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Ingen GTL and the University of Aberdeen collaborated to create an improved catalyst. The iron catalyst reduces the energy needed for the high-temperature hydrogenation of carbon dioxide, an important industrial process. Thus, any improvement in its efficiency offers an opportunity to profit.

Ingen GTL Ltd contacted the Surface Chemistry and Catalysis Group. The new catalyst required detailed characterisation, optimisation, and scale-up. A Kick Start Award, from Encompass, funded a collaboration with Prof James Anderson.

Varying the catalyst synthesis led to a new version with greatly improved performance. We optimised the catalyst by screening promotor compositions and active metal formulations. We varied the catalyst composition to measure the effect of performance. Finally, we demonstrated that the catalyst can convert a wide range of syngas compositions. This includes syngases produced from both methane and biomass. Other commercial catalysts need feedstocks with controlled composition. Thus, our catalyst has a strong advantage.

As a result of this project, Ingen GTL has expanded its patent portfolio and is now commercialising the technology.

For Richard Hyman, iGTL’s CEO, collaboration with the University of Aberdeen was very important since it allowed their catalyst to undergo a broad a range of test variations, with full access to a reactor and with dedicated personnel . It was also crucial to be able to establish a pathway for improving the catalyst.

The improved catalyst is the foundation of iGTL’s core product, the syngas conversion reactor. The success of the project opens the way for future collaborations between both parties.

Ingen and the University of Aberdeen

Benefits

• Improved product with improved catalyst
• Advantage over competitors
• An ongoing relationship with Chemistry at Aberdeen
• New avenues for product development

Funding

The University of Aberdeen and Ingen are grateful to Encompass for support and funding.

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Sunamp has developed new heat-storage technology using Phase-Change Materials (PCMs).

Sunamp heat batteries store heat and release it on demand to provide space heating and hot water. The technology makes innovative use of PCMs that can store and release heat as they change phase – in much the same way as hand warmers. However, the company faced problems with the poor performance of commercially available PCMs. This reduced the ability of the batteries to store and release heat after multiple charge-discharge cycles.

Interface introduced Sunamp to Professor Colin Pulham and his team at the University of Edinburgh. The team worked with the company to develop additives that extend the battery’s lifetime. Sunamp now markets one of the world’s most efficient heat batteries. The development of these products has underpinned significant company growth. A trial in over 600 households has demonstrated a 20% reduction in the cost of heat.

Sunamp and The University of Edinburgh.

Benefits

• Access to expertise to support the development of a commercially viable product.
• A strong and ongoing collaboration that has delivered substantial benefits to both partners, society, and the wider economy.
• Exchange of highly trained research staff, including those taking permanent posts with Sunamp.

Funding

The partnership has accessed support and funding from Interface, the Energy Technology Partnership, UKRI, DECC, InnovateUK, Diamond Light Source, and the EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account.

Cascade Technologies is a manufacturer of high-technology laser-based gas analysers. Energy Technology Partnership (ETP) approached Cascade to identify areas for collaboration. Cascade was already investigating emerging markets in hydrogen fuel and carbon capture. Yet, they lacked contacts in the field. The ETP made introductions to relevant academic experts and businesses. Key among these were the Energy Materials Group at the University of St Andrews. It became clear that the emerging hydrogen-fuels sector was an important opportunity. Cascade’s gas analysers are ideal for quality assurance at fuel-cell vehicle refuelling stations. The ETP identified an open funding call from Innovate UK. Together, Cascade and St Andrews set about building a project consortium. The consortium included the National Physical Laboratory, BOC, and ITM Power. The consortium went on to develop a new gas analyser product.

Collaboration with St Andrews has resulted in major benefits for this Scottish SME.  They received a grant of £602k from Innovate-UK and are working with new customers in a new market.

Cascade Technologies and the University of St Andrews.

Benefits

The benefits  of working with ScotCHEM included:

• Access to fuel-cell expertise.
• Introductions to industry connections.
• A new product.
• Grant funding; £602 000.

Funding

Cascade technologies and the University of St Andrews are grateful to the ETP and Innovate UK for funding.

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ScotCHEM facilities