SULPHURREAL

Solar energy to chemicals: novel thermochemical cycle for storage.

The SULPHURREAL project will demonstrate a novel approach for directly converting solar energy into storable chemicals. To this end, it will use a solar-aided thermochemical cycle based on elemental sulfur. The project will develop innovative catalytic technologies for high- and medium-temperature catalytic sulfur trioxide (SO3) splitting and the disproportionation of sulfur dioxide (SO2) to solid sulfur and sulfuric acid. Researchers will experiment with new catalyst compositions, reactor designs and methods of applying and distributing catalysts within reactors. SULPHURREAL will also upscale a first-of-its-kind sulfur burner demonstrating high power density. Integrating renewable energy sources with the valorisation of non-critical raw material substances from various industries, the project aligns with the principles of a circular economy and industrial symbiosis.