CRERC International Seminar (December 23)

Dr. Navneet Kumar Gupta, IISc Bangalore, will give a lecture on catalyst design for synthesis of chemical products from biomass. We sincerely hope that you will attend.

[Date]: Monday, December 23, 2024, 16:00-17:00
[Venue]: Kodaira Memorial Hall, Hitachi Campus, Ibaraki University
[Language]: English

Abstract of Lecture:

Building a Circular Bioeconomy: Converting Biomass into Renewable Chemicals

Abstract: The evolving societal changes necessitate the adoption of novel sustainable technologies and methodologies to address the depletion of fossil resources and reduce CO2 emissions. Therefore, the establishment of a circular economy in the chemical industry requires not only the safer design of new processes using renewable feedstocks but also the utilization of existing processes with drop-in chemicals. Catalysts play a crucial role in promoting sustainability in the chemical industry, serving as the backbone of numerous industrial processes that convert raw materials into valuable products. Even a small quantity of catalyst can significantly enhance reaction rates and achieve high product selectivity, while its cost remains negligible compared to the overall processing expenses. Consequently, the development of nanostructured catalysts is vital for the chemical industry.

In his presentation, the speaker will discuss strategies for designing new catalysts that exhibit enhanced activity, selectivity, and durability in the production of various furanic compounds derived from biomass (ACS Catal., 2017, 7, 2430; ACS Catal., 2018, 8, 283; ACS Sustain. Chem. Eng., 2018, 6, 3434) as a precursor for the new class of important chemicals and fuels. Furthermore, the speaker will explore the development of renewable pathways for the production of amines (ACS Catal., 2022, 12, 10400; ACS Sustain. Chem. Eng., 2022, 10, (44) 14560) and aromatics (Green Chem., 2023,25, 1588; Catal. Commun., 2022, 163, 106402) in the context of drop-in production. His talk will conclude with insights into the production of next-generation CO2-derived chemicals for future industrial applications.