Catalysts for Methane Conversion

Submitted by penno on

Optional Abstract: 

The project deals with one out of three major research topics of the Cluster of Excellence "Unifying Concepts in Catalysis", or UniCat for short. Methane is the main component of biogas and natural gas. During oil extraction, billions of cubic metres of methane are simply burned off unused, because commercial transportation often does not exist. This is a problem that UniCat wants to solve with the help of catalysis. The search for catalysts, reactors, and an understanding of the conversion of natural and/or bio gas into chemical added-value products is done by studying the oxidative coupling of methane (OCM). This project of public understanding of science consists of a short movie explaining and visualizing the scientific tasks. LINKS (files are too large): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_Lwf1c0fGg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nnbwz023NQ

Clarity of purpose

Catalysis is a cross-discipline involving chemistry, physics, biology, and engineers.
The objective of the project is to bring catalysis to broader audience. This is done using as an example the conversion of methane. The complexity of the research on catalysts for methane conversion is shown by a movie using simple words and pictures.
The movie is directed to people older than 16 years: pupils, students and interested adults. Primary target audience is the German public and secondary an international public. Therefore one movie is in German the other in English language.

Impact

The movie is available at UniCat’s, the producer’s website, and on youtube. The impact is measured at youtube. German version 410 visitors, English version 717 visitors. In addition to the web the movie is shown and explained on fairs (ECCE 8, Achema) and at events on public understanding of science, e. g. Long Night of Sciences (4.000 visitors) and on “Days of open House” (500 visitors).
Moreover, the movie is appreciated by other institutions, who have ordered movies according to a similar pattern. These are e.g. the “Zentrum für Entrepreneurship, Technische Universität Berlin” or a consortium consisting of 20 scientific and industrial partners led by the University of Bremen.

Originality

The short movie manages the balance between scientific explanation and public entertainment. Spectacular pictures showing details like bubbling catalysts or huge experimental settings provide an impressive atmosphere for the scientists who are explaining their aims and how they are coping with problems. This high quality could be achieved by tight collaboration of filmproducers and scientists, extensive on-site investigation, an elaborated storyboard and special technical equipment.

Sustainability

The short movie gives only those details that are necessary. Therefore it will be up to date for at least five years. Other organisations e.g. Hyperraum TV want to use it and to broadcast it by their own. We have an open licensing policy.

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