Phosphorus Recycling

Phosphorus: an essential raw material

Phosphorus is essential for life - it is found in our DNA, bones and teeth. Plants also need phosphorus to grow, which is why around 40 million tonnes of phosphate fertiliser are used worldwide every year. This fertiliser is based almost exclusively on non-renewable phosphate rock, the reserves of which could be exhausted in a few decades.

In about 50 years’ time, demand for phosphorus is expected to exceed the available supplies - a so-called ‘phosphorus peak’. In order to avoid long-term shortages, sustainable solutions for recovery and recycling need to be developed.

One innovative approach is the adsorption of phosphorus compounds from the gas phase. As part of the ‘Phosphorus recovery via gas phase processes (PGP)’ project, the adsorption properties of these compounds in hot synthesis gases are being researched - a promising step towards sustainable phosphorus utilisation.

Sustainable phosphorus recycling through gas phase processes

The concept is based on a gasification process with biomass in which the adsorption of phosphorus compounds at high temperatures and specific gas compositions will be investigated.

The aim of the project is to understand the conditions under which phosphorus is released into the gas phase, to separate it and make it available for recycling. At the same time, a purified synthesis gas is produced that can be reintegrated into the carbon cycle as a regenerative carbon source.

This approach provides a sustainable solution for the efficient recovery of phosphorus while conserving valuable resources.

Innovative method for phosphorus recovery

The release of phosphorus compounds into the gas phase is being studied in a high-temperature module that reaches temperatures of up to 1500 °C. Various adsorbents are being tested for efficient adsorption of the gaseous phosphorus compounds. The focus is on the selective separation of phosphorus from flue gas and possible recovery methods.

The experimental investigations are carried out in a special TPA/TPD plant, which will allow accurate analyses under realistic conditions. In this way, optimal conditions for sustainable phosphorus recovery will be identified.