Steffen Tischer

Dr. Steffen Tischer serves as a Senior Scientist at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), affiliated with the Institute for Chemical Technology and Polymer Chemistry (ITCP) and the Institute for Catalysis Research and Technology (IKFT). He coordinates the Helmholtz Research School for Energy-Related Catalysis, leading computational research on catalytic reactor systems for automotive and energy applications since 2010.

His academic foundation includes a PhD in Chemistry from Heidelberg University (2004), an MS in Physics from Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg (1999), and a BSc in Applied Physics from the University of Portsmouth (1996). Doctoral research focused on simulating catalytic monolith reactors using detailed chemistry and transport models under advisors Olaf Deutschmann and Jürgen Warnatz.

Tischer specializes in computational modeling of reacting flows in structured multi-phase reactors, with core expertise in automotive catalytic converters (three-way catalysts, NOx-storage systems, diesel oxidation catalysts, soot filters), catalytic combustion, and steam reforming processes. His work pioneers washcoat modeling techniques, thermodynamic validation of surface reaction mechanisms, and parameter optimization frameworks that bridge molecular-scale kinetics with reactor-scale performance. Current research emphasizes multi-physics phenomena in solid oxide fuel cells and urea decomposition for emission control systems.

Analysis of his publication record (2011-2016) reveals consistent focus on dual-layer catalyst systems, methane reforming kinetics, and aging effects in emission control catalysts. His work integrates computational fluid dynamics with microkinetic modeling to address transport-reaction coupling in monolithic structures, particularly examining spatial temperature profiles, catalyst deactivation mechanisms, and multi-phase interactions in energy conversion systems.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Sophie-Bernthsen-award of Heidelberg University's Faculty for Chemistry and Geo-sciences (2004)

As Coordinator of the Helmholtz Research School for Energy-Related Catalysis, Tischer oversees interdisciplinary training programs and collaborative research initiatives. His leadership role involves managing large-scale funding portfolios focused on catalytic technologies for sustainable energy. Long-term collaboration with Prof. Olaf Deutschmann's research group demonstrates sustained contribution to KIT's catalysis research ecosystem through joint publications and model development.

Tischer operates within Prof. Deutschmann's research group at KIT, which maintains advanced computational infrastructure for reactor simulation. The team specializes in developing molecular-based modeling tools for heterogeneous catalysis, with applications spanning automotive after-treatment systems, fuel processing, and emission control technologies. Current projects emphasize real-time simulation capabilities and multi-scale modeling approaches for next-generation catalytic systems.