Researchers from the Lithuanian Energy Institute (LEI) recently visited the Institute for Energy Technology (IFE) in Norway to strengthen collaboration and share knowledge in catalytic synthesis and process improvement.
The LEI delegation, consisting of a senior researcher and a laboratory assistant, participated in hands-on training and joint research activities with IFE scientists. They primarily focused on improving methanol production techniques using laboratory-scale fixed-bed reactor systems, which support key tasks within the ongoing project “Plastic waste conversion to methanol through water vapor plasma gasification and advanced catalytic synthesis” funded by Nordic Energy Research and the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania. During their visit, LEI researchers contributed to the synthesis and characterization of advanced methanol catalysts, including Cu/ZnO/Al2O3, as well as ZrO2- and In2O3-promoted versions. They also investigated porous water sorbents like zeolites and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) using an innovative two-particle system approach for evaluation.
The team gained practical training and experience with IFE’s modern laboratory facilities, which include: surface and pore analysis instruments (BET, BJH, and H2 chemisorption), thermal analysis equipment such as TPR, TPO, TPD, thermogravimetric analyzers and reactor systems, including flow reactors and fluidized bed reactors.
This collaboration supports the exchange of early-career researchers and helps build long-term scientific capability at both institutions. The visit improved scientific expertise while encouraging innovation and international cooperation in sustainable chemical technologies.
