Mechanism of furan conversion in zeolite catalysts

Mechanism of furan conversion in zeolite catalysts
Joint Doctorate
1st supervisor and 1st promotor: Prof. Emiel Hensen (TU/e)
2nd supervisor and 2nd promotor: Prof. Bert Weckhuysen (UU)
Co-promotor: Assistant Prof. Nikolay Kosinov (TU/e)
Affiliation: Eindhoven University of Technology and Utrecht University
Research theme: Smart Biomass Conversion

Currently, aromatics – important building blocks for materials used in our modern society – are exclusively derived from non-renewable oil resources. In this project, the researchers focus on a novel route to convert woody biomass into aromatics. The chemistry that will explored targets the conversion of the sugars contained in wood to aromatics by use of zeolite catalysts.

These zeolite catalysts need to be optimized with respect to their acidity, texture and further functionalization. A novel aspect to be addressed in this project is the co-feeding of other small molecules such as olefins and oxygenates available in future biorefineries with the purpose to improve the production of aromatics.

Keywords:

• Biomass
• Catalytic fast pyrolysis
• Zeolite
• Mechanism
• Co-feeding