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Can chemical processes be designed based solely on the properties of the molecules involved? Prof. Dr.-Ing. Joachim Groß, Head of the Institute of Thermodynamics and Thermal Process Engineering (ITT) at the University of Stuttgart believes this is possible. He and his team plan to investigate this question as part of an ERC Advanced Grant, which Groß has now been awarded by the European Research Council (ERC).
“I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to Joachim Groß on this prestigious award, and I am personally delighted for him on this achievement,” said Prof. Manfred Bischoff, Vice Rector for Research and Sustainability at the University of Stuttgart. “Through his excellent and internationally recognized research, he is making a valuable contribution to the development of new methods for optimizing sustainable chemical processes – a valuable contribution to both science and industry.”
With financial support from the ERC Advanced Grant, Groß is addressing a key problem in current models used in chemistry and chemical engineering to describe the properties of substances and mixtures of substances. “There are two basic approaches – either you work with empirical models or you work with physical models,” explains Groß. Empirical models can be used to describe the properties of pure substances such as water, carbon dioxide, or methanol with great precision and to calculate them using computers.
Overcoming the limitations of today's models
“With empirical models, we can make statements about a chemical process with virtually any level of precision, provided the measurement data is good enough,” said Groß. “Unfortunately, this only works for pure substances, not for mixtures of substances, which we often deal with in science and industry.” This is where physical models really shine: They allow us to describe the properties of mixtures much more accurately, as well as processes at interfaces – such as the incorporation of molecules into the pores of another material – though, unfortunately, their accuracy is somewhat compromised when applied to pure substances.
As part of the project “A New Ecosystem of Models from Molecular Thermodynamics – Predicting Mixture Properties (PredEcoS),” Groß and his team now aim to find a way to combine the advantages of empirical and physical models. Then, given sufficient data, it would be possible to describe chemical processes with a high degree of precision – regardless of whether the substance is a pure substance or a mixture. In addition, it would be possible to make well-founded predictions about the subsequent course of the chemical process. This requires a refined theory at the molecular level, which Groß's team has developed over the past few years.
Relevant to research and industry
“We don’t want to develop a single model, but rather an entire ecosystem of models that are compatible with one another, even when we’re dealing with mixtures of substances,” explains Groß. “Our findings will be relevant not only to science, but also to the chemical and petrochemical industries, as well as the energy sector.”
As part of the ERC Advanced Grant, the engineer will have a total of 2.5 million euros at his disposal over a period of five years. Work is scheduled to officially begin in November 2026. Groß has budgeted for four positions for doctoral students and one postdoctoral position.
The open-source approach strengthens research
The scientist is also breaking new ground in other ways with his research under the Advanced Grants program. All models will be made available as open source so that other research groups can continue to develop the ecosystem. “Open source is a new concept in the field of model development,” says Groß, “but in my view, the days when a single working group developed a model entirely on its own are over. No one has all the necessary expertise within their own team.” Initial reactions to the open-source approach from the relevant community have been very positive.
About Joachim Groß
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Joachim Groß heads the Institute for Thermodynamics and Thermal Process Engineering (ITT) at the University of Stuttgart. The renowned engineer conducts research in molecular thermodynamics and fluid theory; among other things, he plays a leading role in Collaborative Research Center 1313 , which focuses on Interfaces and Porous Media. In addition, as Dean of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies, Groß plays a key role in the training of the next generation of researchers in process engineering, chemical engineering, and bioengineering. He has received numerous awards for his teaching.
About the ERC Advanced Grant
The ERC Advanced Grant from the European Research Council (ERC) is one of the most prestigious research grants in the world. It is aimed at established, leading researchers in all disciplines. Funding of up to 2.5 million euros over five years is provided for groundbreaking, high-risk pioneering projects.
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Joachim Groß, University of Stuttgart, Institute of Thermodynamics and Termal Process Engineering (ITT), Tel. +49 711 685-66105, email: gross@itt.uni-stuttgart.de
https://www.uni-stuttgart.de/en/university/news/all/ERC-Advanced-Grant-for-Proce...
https://www.itt.uni-stuttgart.de/en/
https://www.sfb1313.uni-stuttgart.de/
https://www.uni-stuttgart.de/en/research/profile/production-technologies/
Awarded with an ERC Advanced Grant: Process Engineer Joachim Groß
Source: Uli Regenscheit
Copyright: University of Stuttgart
The new predictive model of Joachim Groß is intended to support research and industry. It is made av ...
Source: Uli Regenscheit
Copyright: University of Stuttgart
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