Engineering sustainable energy technology remains the key challenge of the 21st century. Utilization of alternative energy sources including biomass requires fundamental understanding of catalytic reaction chemistry and associated transport phenomena. New feed stocks are predominately porous solids (e.g. shale, lignocellulosic biomass) resulting in both heat and mass transfer limitations inside reacting particles. Additionally, alternative feed streams to refineries are complicated by being over-functionalized (biomass) or over-oxidized (bitumen/kerogen). Our research addresses the catalysis and reaction engineering challenges associated with these renewable and emerging carbonaceous feed stocks for manufacturing the fuels and chemicals of tomorrow. Invention of new experimental techniques combined with novel catalytic and separation materials allow for development of the next generation of energy technology based on detailed chemical understanding. Our publications address catalysis and chemistry of highly functionalized renewable feed stocks, mechanisms and kinetics of complex reacting systems, and the interplay of reaction/transport in new micro-mesoporous materials/catalysts. Focus on reacting systems across length scales from catalytic active site, to particle, and reactor allows for utilization of fundamental insight within industrial applications and substantial opportunity for collaboration with industry.
Research Group
Support Paul Dauenhauer's Research
