Materials Chemistry and Catalysis

Impact of oxygenates on the performance of bifunctional catalysts for biofuel production

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There is a global need for an alternative to fossil fuels[1]. A promising alternative, especially for aviation fuels, are biofuels. Biofuels can for instance be derived from organic waste materials[2]. The currently produced biocrudes contain a high level of oxygenates, which make the production of practical liquid fuels challenging[3]. Therefore, the aim of this research is to study the impact of oxygenates on the performance of bifunctional hydroconversion catalysts and to design new, more effective catalysts. The influence of type, loading, particle size, and location of the metal in these catalysts can be studied. Key characterisation methods include electron microscopy, ammonia TPD, pyridine FTIR spectroscopy, and (hydrogen) chemisorption techniques. Finally, the catalysts’ activity, selectivity and stability can be tested for the hydroconversion of model compounds in a high pressure catalytic setup.

If you are interested in doing a research project with me, you are more than welcome to contact me!

This project is conducted in close collaboration with BP.

References

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1. Tomasek, S., Lónyi, F., Valyon, J. & Hancsók, J. Fuel purpose hydrocracking of biomass based Fischer-Tropsch paraffin mixtures on bifunctional catalysts. Energy Convers Manag 213, 112775 (2020).

2. International Energy Agency. Net Zero by 2050 – A Roadmap for the Global Energy Sector. http://www.iea.org/t&c/ (2021).

3. Clauser, N. M. et al. Biomass Waste as Sustainable Raw Material for Energy and Fuels. Sustainability 2021, Vol. 13, Page 794 13, 794 (2021).

C.V.

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2024 – present

PhD candidate in the Materials Chemistry and Catalysis group under supervision of prof. dr. Petra de Jongh and prof. dr. Pieter Bruijnincx, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.

2021 – 2023

Master’s degree in Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.

Master thesis in the Materials Chemistry and Catalysis group (supervision: dr. Oscar Brandt Corstius and prof. dr. Petra de Jongh): “Studying the promotional effects of different metals on Pd catalysts for the selective hydrogenation of 1,3-butadiene.”

Master research internship at Johnson Matthey Technology Centre, Sonning Common, United Kingdom.

Student Committee member of the 24^th edition of the Netherlands’ Catalysis and Chemistry Conference

2017 – 2021

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.

Bachelor thesis in the Materials Chemistry and Catalysis group (supervision: Kristiaan Helfferich, MSc and prof. dr. Petra de Jongh): “The influence of drying in the preparation of bimetallic Pd-Ni/SiO2 nanoparticles.”