Smalltalks "Catalyst Design for the Conversion of Biomass into Chemicals"

Abstract: 

To transition towards a sustainable chemical industry, renewable sources, such as biomass derived from plants, trees, and waste, must be explored. Carbohydrates present in biomass can be converted stepwise into aromatics: building blocks used to produce e.g., plastics, medicine, and paints. This reaction requires the use of a catalyst, which is a material or chemical that accelerates reactions. In my research, I design, synthesise, and test new catalysts for the conversion of one type of biomass-derived furans, 2,5-dimethylfuran, into monoaromatics. These catalysts are typically microporous solids, called zeolites, that exhibit great thermal stability, shape-selectivity, and tunability. To illustrate,  altering the metals present in the catalyst influences the activity and acid sites of the catalyst. Whereas altering the microporous framework, e.g., by introducing mesopores, influences the product distribution and lifetime of the catalyst. Through exploring different parameters, the optimal catalyst for this reaction is designed.