Abstract
Over the years, the ELCAT research group has expanded its extensive knowledge in electrochemistry with the designing process and in-house manufacturing of custom electrochemical reactors and peripheral systems. In specific we specialize in liquid-liquid flow reactors, redox flow batteries and gas-liquid reactor systems in flow by, flow-through or zero gap configurations to accommodate for example the reduction of CO2 or H2 evolution. This expertise has led to multiple project collaborations with a focus on designing state-of-the-art reactors. With our IOF proposal for ENCORE, we intend to leverage the electrochemical reactor engineering expertise of the ELCAT research group. (i) Firstly, by launching a standardized line of electrochemical reactors to compete with companies that offer off-the-shelf fixtures. (ii) Secondly, ENCORE aims to bridge the existing market gap between said companies, that offer off-the-shelf standardized setups, and engineering firms, who solely operate at TRL 8 and 9. Through ENCORE's platform we aim to commercialize our knowhow and manufacturing technologies by offering tailor made lab-scale reactors to cater to the specific needs of academic and industrial parties in R&D. We offer a high-level customizability in our (reactor) products tailored to the demands of potential customers and as such advise them in the design based on our expertise and carry out the fabrication process. (iii) In synergy, our advanced manufacturing techniques will also be made available as standalone services, i.e. ENCORE's third pillar. These include in specific: a high-resolution metal and polymer 3D printing, CNC milling, catalyst deposition technology and a femtosecond laser ablation.
ENCORE is embedded within a greater, overarching initiative of the "Electrification Institute". Located in BlueApp, this center is spawned from a collaboration effort between research groups PLASMANT, ElectrifHy and ELCAT. The ENCORE platform will represent a key pillar in this initiative and specifically aim to ramp the 4th money flow revenue of this institute, dedicated to push the boundaries of reactor technology while creating value for our customers and contributing to intellectual asset development. In this plan we see the reactors and the associated IP - such as patents, trade secrets and design rights – as the value creating assets.
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