Meike Wittrock

Title: The Innovations of Meike Wittrock in Nitrogen Oxide Storage Catalysts

Introduction

Meike Wittrock, an accomplished inventor based in Biebergemünd, Germany, has made significant contributions to the field of automotive emissions control. With two patents to her name, she has focused on improving the efficiency of nitrogen oxide storage catalysts, which play a crucial role in reducing harmful emissions from lean-burn engines.

Latest Patents

Wittrock's latest patents detail innovative methods for reactivating thermally aged nitrogen oxide storage catalysts. The first patent describes a dual-stage method intended to restore the catalytic activity of nitrogen oxide storage catalysts that have experienced thermal degradation due to high operational temperatures. By leveraging the properties of strontium and barium compounds, her process involves controlled treatment with specific gas mixtures to recycle these compounds back to their catalytically active forms.

The second patent outlines a method for reactivating thermally aged nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converters. This process highlights how nitrogen oxides are stored in a lean-burn operation and subsequently decomposed during a rich-burn phase. Wittrock presents a breakthrough approach by treating the storage material with a gas mixture containing nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide, and water vapor, operating at temperatures between 300 to 500 degrees Celsius. This treatment can be performed either directly on vehicles or during routine maintenance, illustrating its versatile application.

Career Highlights

Wittrock works at Umicore AG & Co. KG, a renowned company specializing in materials technology and recycling. Her role has positioned her at the forefront of innovations in automotive catalysts, reflecting her dedication to advancements in environmental sustainability. Her expertise in the chemical processes involved in catalyst reactivation has set a new standard for the industry.

Collaborations

Throughout her career, Wittrock has collaborated with fellow innovators, including Ulrich Goebel and Thomas Kreuzer. These partnerships have fostered a collaborative environment, enabling the exchange of ideas and expertise in the pursuit of more effective emission control technologies.

Conclusion

Meike Wittrock stands out as a pioneering inventor in the realm of nitrogen oxide storage catalysts. Her latest patents not only demonstrate her technical prowess but also contribute significantly to the ongoing effort to mitigate environmental impact from automotive emissions. With her continued work at Umicore and collaboration with other industry professionals, Wittrock is poised to lead future innovations in this critical area of environmental technology.